Definition

Verb

  • To ground a vessel at low tide.

Noun

  • The amount of tidal change needed to refloat a grounded vessel.

Origin

Both probably from the early 16th century. From the Middle French word essewer, meaning out of water.

Comments

Pronounced like sue. A term rarely used anymore. A vessel was said to be sewed based on the difference between the water level and the floatation mark on her hull. For example, she is sewed by two feet if the water is two feet below her normal floatation mark.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

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