Terminology from the Age of Sail

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Search result for definition: keel
Keel: The lowest and most important timber of a wooden ship to which the stem, sternpost and ribs are attached.

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Keel Block: One of many aligned timber blocks, on the floor of the slip on which the keel of a ship to be built or repaired is laid and rests.
Keel-hauling: Punishment for various offences onboard a ship. The offender was plunged repeatedly under the bottom of the ship on one side and then pulled up on the other side of the ship, after having passed under the keel. Particularly cruel treatment since the victim would contact the rough hull repeatedly and mind-numbing cold seawater would often only add to the misery. Originally a term for careening.
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