View synonyms for becalm

becalm

[ bih-kahm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to deprive (a sailing vessel) of the wind necessary to move it; subject to a calm:
The schooner was becalmed in the horse latitudes for two weeks.
Archaic. to calm; pacify.

Origin of becalm¹

First recorded in 1550–60; be- + calm

I am making a sail according to your lordship's plan, to becalm the hull of the ship, but want sailcloth for completing it.

Ships are generally obliged to be towed into the harbor, in consequence of the high points which tower high, and becalm them.

An imprisoned man who asks for an Italian book to becalm his fever may be safely presumed to know that language.

One sail is also said to becalm another when the wind is aft.

Becalm, and henceforth think that the peril is mine, not yours.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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