Definition

Noun

  • An area around the waist of a ship that can commonly ship water in rough seas.

Origin

18th century.

Comments

This area would also be cluttered with gear and stores on some vessels. The term is fairly self-explanatory. It has nothing to do with the bombed and shelled area between trenches in WWI.

References

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.