from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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3. Bilge water.
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{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]