leeboard

[ lee-bawrd, -bohrd ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. either of two broad, flat objects attached to the sides of a sailing ship amidships, the one on the lee side being lowered into the water to prevent the ship from making leeway.

leeboard

/ ˈliːˌbɔːd /

noun

1. nautical one of a pair of large adjustable paddle-like boards that may be lowered along the lee side to reduce sideways drift or leeway

Word History and Origins

Origin of leeboard¹

1400–50; late Middle English: the lee side of a ship; lee, board

Example Sentences

The leeboard is a necessary attachment to the sailing outfit.

From Project Gutenberg

The leeboard, like a centre board, is of course intended to keep the canoe from sliding off when trying to beat up into the wind.

From Project Gutenberg

A single leeboard was fitted and secured to the hull with a short piece of line made fast to the centerline of the boat.

From Project Gutenberg

With this arrangement the leeboard could be raised and lowered and also shifted to the lee side on each tack.

From Project Gutenberg

They at once, therefore, hauled their wind, but they had considerable difficulty in beating up toward the frigate, till they bethought them of lowering the junks’ leeboard, when they found them sail wonderfully well to windward.

From Project Gutenberg