Keelhaul Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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keelhaul
[ˈkiːl.hɔːl ]
Definition
nautical punishment
Keelhauling is a severe maritime punishment that involves dragging a sailor under the keel of a ship. This punishment was historically applied to sailors who committed serious offenses, such as mutiny or desertion. The process could result in severe injuries or even death due to drowning or being cut by barnacles. Often, sailors sentenced to keelhaul would be tied to a rope and pulled underwater from one side of the ship to the other. Although this practice is no longer in use, it remains a symbol of historical naval discipline.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The captain threatened to keelhaul the mutineers as a warning.
- In movies, keelhauling is sometimes depicted to show the brutality of pirate justice.
- The sailor was terrified at the thought of being keelhauled for his wrongdoing.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Practices
- Keelhauling was a notorious punishment in naval warfare, especially among pirates and the Dutch navy.
- The punishment was intended to instill fear among crew members and discourage mutiny or insubordination.
- Survivors of keelhauling often suffered severe injuries from barnacles and other hazards on the ship's hull.
Literature and Media
- Keelhauling is often romanticized in pirate stories, depicting a harsh yet adventurous life at sea.
- The practice appears in works like 'Treasure Island', emphasizing the brutal nature of pirate justice.
- Many movies and books exaggerate the drama of keelhauling for entertainment, creating a myth around pirate life.
Cultural Impact
- The term has entered modern language as a metaphor for harsh punishment or a severe reprimand.
- Variations of the practice can be seen in modern sports as a way to encourage team discipline (though much less literally).
- Keelhauling has become a symbol of strict maritime discipline and the authoritative control of ships.
Symbolism
- The act symbolizes the struggle for power aboard a ship, reflecting the risks and consequences of piracy.
- It's often viewed as a representation of the dark side of sailors' lives, capturing the lawlessness of the high seas.
- The fear of keelhauling emphasized loyalty and submission among crew members, preventing rebellion.
Origin of 'keelhaul'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from Dutch 'kielhalen', which means 'to haul under the keel'.
- It originally referred to the practice on ships where offenders were pulled under the boat's body as punishment.
- The word has been in use since the 17th century, often associated with pirate lore.
The term 'keelhauling' originates from the Dutch word 'kil', meaning 'keel'. The practice dates back to the 17th century, primarily in naval warfare and piracy, where it was commonly used by Dutch and English naval forces. Traditionally, the keel was the bottom structure of the ship, and dragging an offender under it was seen as a fitting punishment for serious crimes. The act not only served as punishment but also as a deterrent to others. Over time, as naval discipline evolved and humane treatment of sailors became more recognized, keelhauling fell out of favor. Despite its grim history, the term has persisted in maritime vernacular and is often referenced in literature and popular culture to illustrate the harsh discipline of the sea.