bilge

[bilj] /bɪldʒ/
noun
1.
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.
2.
Slang. bilge water (def 2).
3.
the widest circumference or belly of a cask.
verb (used without object), bilged, bilging.
4.
Nautical.
  1. to leak in the bilge.
  2. (of white paint) to turn yellow.
5.
to bulge or swell out.
verb (used with object), bilged, bilging.
6.
Nautical. to damage (a hull bottom) so as to create an entry for seawater.
Origin
1505-15; perhaps variant of bulge
Examples from the web for bilge
  • No patent should be issued for the use of large glorified bilge pumps and how they are used.
  • Its flotation was entirely dependent on whether the bilge pump could keep up with the leakage.
  • In addition, avoid the use of bilge cleaners that are detergents or emulsifiers.
  • Trailer your boat to an area that provides containment before removing bilge or boat plugs.
  • The kits include an absorbent pad, a bilge pillow and a fuel collar.
  • Check the bilge area for oily residue, and clean thoroughly.
  • Insert a bilge pillow in the area to absorb oils from future leaks.
  • Prevent bilge contamination by keeping oil-absorbent pads in bilge.
  • Use absorbent bilge pads to soak up oil and fuel and properly recycle or dispose of them.
  • Keep the bilge clean and dry and your boat engine well tuned to prevent fuel and oil leaks.
British Dictionary definitions for bilge

bilge

/bɪldʒ/
noun
1.
(nautical) the parts of a vessel's hull where the vertical sides curve inwards to form the bottom
2.
(often pl) the parts of a vessel between the lowermost floorboards and the bottom
3.
Also called bilge water. the dirty water that collects in a vessel's bilge
4.
(informal) silly rubbish; nonsense
5.
the widest part of the belly of a barrel or cask
verb
6.
(intransitive) (nautical) (of a vessel) to take in water at the bilge
7.
(transitive) (nautical) to damage (a vessel) in the bilge, causing it to leak
Derived Forms
bilgy, adjective
Word Origin
C16: probably a variant of bulge
Word Origin and History for bilge
n.

1510s, "lowest internal part of a ship," also used of the foulness which collects there; variant of bulge "ship's hull," also "leather bag," from Old North French boulge "leather sack," from Late Latin bulga "leather sack," apparently from Gaulish bulga (see budget (n.)).

Slang definitions & phrases for bilge

bilge

noun

Nonsense; worthless and vain matter; tripe, blah (1900s+)

verb

(also bilge out) To fail or expel a student (1900+ College students)

[short for bilge-water]