BILGE

bilge. Bilge, n. the whole breadth of a ship's bottom

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Bilge (�), n. [[A different orthography of bulge, of same origin as belly. Cf. Belly, Bulge.]] 1. 1. The protuberant part of a cask, which is usually in the middle.
2. 2. (Naut.) 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. 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.