English Lexicon

Ahull

/əˈhʌl/
adjectiveadverbCEFR C2 (Proficient)Top #48500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    With sails furled and the helm lashed alee, typically as a maneuver in a heavy storm to wait out the weather.

    "The battered schooner drifted ahull through the raging night."
As adverb
  1. 1

    In a position with sails furled and helm lashed.

    "With the wind howling relentlessly, the captain decided to lay the ship ahull."

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Synonyms (2)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the prefix a- (meaning 'on' or 'in') combined with hull, dating back to the late 16th century in maritime terminology. Originally used in sailing to describe a ship with its sails furled and helm lashed alee, riding out a heavy storm passively.

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