Dictionary entry

Keelhaul

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Keel″haul′ (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Keelhauled (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Keelhauling.] [3d keel + haul: cf. LG. & D. kielhalen, G. kielholen.] [Written also keelhale.] (Naut.) To haul under the keel of a ship, by ropes attached to the yardarms on each side. It was formerly practiced as a punishment in the Dutch and English navies. Totten.