Keelhaul: meaning, definitions and examples
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keelhaul
[ ˈkiːl.hɔːl ]
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
Translations of the word "keelhaul" in other languages:
🇵🇹 arrastar pelo fundo do barco
🇮🇳 क़ैद करना
🇩🇪 unter Deck ziehen
🇮🇩 menarik di bawah kapal
🇺🇦 перетягнути під днищем
🇵🇱 holować pod pokładem
🇯🇵 船底に引きずる
🇫🇷 traîner sous la coque
🇪🇸 arrastrar por la quilla
🇹🇷 güverteden çekmek
🇰🇷 선체 아래로 끌다
🇸🇦 سحب تحت السفينة
🇨🇿 táhnout pod palubu
🇸🇰 ťahať pod palubou
🇨🇳 拖到船底
🇸🇮 vleči pod palubo
🇮🇸 draga undir skipinu
🇰🇿 кеменің астынан тарту
🇬🇪 გემი ქვეშ kéo
🇦🇿 gəmilərdən çəkmək
🇲🇽 arrastrar por debajo del barco
Etymology
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.