'Bends of a ship' definitions:

Definition of 'Bends of a ship'

From: GCIDE

Bend \Bend\, n. [See Bend, v. t., and cf. Bent, n.]
1. A turn or deflection from a straight line or from the proper direction or normal position; a curve; a crook; as, a slight bend of the body; a bend in a road. [1913 Webster]
2. Turn; purpose; inclination; ends. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
Farewell, poor swain; thou art not for my bend. --Fletcher. [1913 Webster]
3. (Naut.) A knot by which one rope is fastened to another or to an anchor, spar, or post. --Totten. [1913 Webster]
4. (Leather Trade) The best quality of sole leather; a butt. See Butt. [1913 Webster]
5. (Mining) Hard, indurated clay; bind. [1913 Webster]
6. pl. (Med.) same as caisson disease. Usually referred to as the bends. [1913 Webster]
Bends of a ship, the thickest and strongest planks in her sides, more generally called wales. They have the beams, knees, and foothooks bolted to them. Also, the frames or ribs that form the ship's body from the keel to the top of the sides; as, the midship bend. [1913 Webster]