Category:Bilge

Bilge, n. Etym: [A different orthography of bulge, of same origin as belly. Cf. Belly, Bulge.]

1. The protuberant part of a cask, which is usually in the middle.

2. (Naut.)

Defn: That part of a ship's hull or bottom which is broadest and most nearly flat, and on which she would rest if aground.

3. Bilge water. Bilge free (Naut.), stowed in such a way that the bilge is clear of everything; -- said of a cask.

-- Bilge pump, a pump to draw the bilge water from the gold of a ship.

-- Bilge water (Naut.), water which collects in the bilge or bottom of a ship or other vessel. It is often allowed to remain till it becomes very offensive.

-- Bilge ways, the timbers which support the cradle of a ship upon the ways, and which slide upon the launching ways in launching the vessel.

Bilge, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Bilged (p. pr. & vb. n. Bilging.]

1. (Naut.)

Defn: To suffer a fracture in the bilge; to spring a leak by a fracture in the bilge.

2. To bulge.

Bilge, v. t.

1. (Naut.)

Defn: To fracture the bilge of, or stave in the bottom of (a ship or other vessel).

2. To cause to bulge.