Bilge
Shipbuilding
That part of a ship's floor, on either side of the keel, which has more of a horizontal than of a perpendicular direction, and on which the ship would rest if laid on the ground; or, more particularly, those projecting parts of the bottom which are opposite to the heads of the floor-timbers amidships, on each side of the keel.
Bilge Trees, or Bilge Pieces, or Bilge Keels. The pieces of timber fastened under the bilge of boats or other vessels to keep them upright when on shore, or to prevent their falling to leeward when sailing.
