seacock

[ see-kok ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a valve in the hull of a vessel for admitting outside water into some part of the hull, as a ballast tank.

seacock

/ ˈsiːˌkɒk /

noun

1. nautical a valve in the hull of a vessel below the water line for admitting sea water or for pumping out bilge water

Word History and Origins

Origin of seacock¹

First recorded in 1660–70; sea + cock ¹

Example Sentences

"The rules of engagement were that if you saw a German opening a seacock or giving orders to others to do so you could order him to stop - and if he refused, you could shoot him," he says.

From BBC

Sussex lies to the south of Seacock Swamp on the line dividing Surry "from the county of Southampton, thence a straight course to Blackwater at the mouth of Coppohawk and up Blackwater to the line dividing" Surry from the county of Prince George.

From Project Gutenberg

The fireroom is full of water; but it looks to me as though a seacock had been opened.

From Project Gutenberg

Then Tuckfield opened a seacock, and the forward escape hatch began to fill with water.

From Time Magazine Archive

The new instructors, with their liberal leanings, proved Dr. Seacock's undoing.

From Time Magazine Archive