Definition

Noun

  • A document showing that a vessel has no serious illness aboard.

Origin

18th century

Comments

Also known simply as a “clean bill.” Pretty self-explanatory. These are issued by a port authority to show that no disease existed at the time of departure and no crew was infected. The opposite of a clean bill is a foul bill.

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.