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Bilge

 - 4 dictionary results
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bilge

  [bilj] noun, verb, bilged, bilg⋅ing.
Use Bilge in a Sentence
–noun
1. Nautical.
a. either of the rounded areas that form the transition between the bottom and the sides on the exterior of a hull.
b. Also, bilges. (in a hull with a double bottom) an enclosed area between frames at each side of the floors, where seepage collects.
c. Also called bilge well. a well into which seepage drains to be pumped away.
d. 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)
4. Nautical.
a. to leak in the bilge.
b. (of white paint) to turn yellow.
5. to bulge or swell out.
–verb (used with object)
6. Nautical. to damage (a hull bottom) so as to create an entry for seawater.
Origin:
1505–15; perh. var. of bulge
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bilge water

 
–noun
1. Nautical. bilge (def. 1d).
2. Also called bilge. Slang. foolish, worthless, or offensive talk or ideas; nonsense; rubbish.
Origin:
1700–10
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Bilge
bilge   (bĭlj)   
n.  

  1. Nautical

    1. The rounded portion of a ship's hull, forming a transition between the bottom and the sides.

    2. The lowest inner part of a ship's hull.

  2. Bilge water.

  3. Slang Stupid talk or writing; nonsense.

  4. The bulging part of a barrel or cask.

v.   bilged, bilg·ing, bilg·es

v.   intr.

  1. Nautical To spring a leak in the bilge.

  2. To bulge or swell.

v.   tr.
Nautical To break open the bilge of.

[Probably alteration of bulge.]
bilg'y adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

bilge 
1513, "lowest internal part of a ship," also "the foulness which collects there," variant of bulge "ship's hull," also "leather bag," from O.N.Fr. boulge "leather sack," from L.L. bulga "leather sack," apparently from Gaulish bulga.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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