'Bilge ways' definitions:

Definition of 'Bilge ways'

From: GCIDE
  • Bilge \Bilge\, n. [A different orthography of bulge, of same origin as belly. Cf. Belly, Bulge.]
  • 1. The protuberant part of a cask, which is usually in the middle. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Naut.) That part of a ship's hull or bottom which is broadest and most nearly flat, and on which she would rest if aground. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Bilge water. [1913 Webster]
  • Bilge free (Naut.), stowed in such a way that the bilge is clear of everything; -- said of a cask.
  • Bilge pump, a pump to draw the bilge water from the gold of a ship.
  • Bilge water (Naut.), water which collects in the bilge or bottom of a ship or other vessel. It is often allowed to remain till it becomes very offensive.
  • Bilge ways, the timbers which support the cradle of a ship upon the ways, and which slide upon the launching ways in launching the vessel. [1913 Webster]