bilge well

noun Nautical.

bilge(def 1c).

Words nearby bilge well

bilge, bilge board, bilge keel, bilge pump, bilge water, bilge well, bilgy, bilhah, bilharzia, bilharzial dysentery, bilharziasis

Definition for bilge-well (2 of 2)

bilge
[ bilj ]
/ bɪldʒ /

noun

Nautical.
  1. either of the rounded areas that form the transition between the bottom and the sides on the exterior of a hull.
  2. Also bilges. (in a hull with a double bottom) an enclosed area between frames at each side of the floors, where seepage collects.
  3. Also called bilge well. a well into which seepage drains to be pumped away.
  4. Also called bilge water. seepage accumulated in bilges.
Slang. bilge water(def 2).
the widest circumference or belly of a cask.

verb (used without object), bilged, bilg·ing.

Nautical.
  1. to leak in the bilge.
  2. (of white paint) to turn yellow.
to bulge or swell out.

verb (used with object), bilged, bilg·ing.

Nautical. to damage (a hull bottom) so as to create an entry for seawater.

Origin of bilge

First recorded in 1505–15; perhaps variant of bulge

British Dictionary definitions for bilge-well

bilge
/ (bɪldʒ) /

noun

verb

(intr) nautical (of a vessel) to take in water at the bilge
(tr) nautical to damage (a vessel) in the bilge, causing it to leak

Derived forms of bilge

bilgy, adjective

Word Origin for bilge

C16: probably a variant of bulge