ahull
Definition
Adverb (Nautical): - With sails furled and helm lashed to ride out a storm: "ahull" describes a ship's state when its sails are completely taken in and the helm is fixed so that the vessel lies nearly stationary or drifts with minimal forward motion, typically to withstand heavy weather. - Note: This term is used exclusively in maritime contexts.
Usage Examples
- (The ship was made nearly stationary with sails furled to survive the storm.)
- (The vessel remained with sails furled and helm lashed to endure the wind.)
Advanced Usage
- "to lie ahull": a specific nautical maneuver where a ship is deliberately disabled from sailing by furling all sails and securing the helm, allowing it to drift or remain stationary in heavy seas.
- The old mariner knew that lying ahull was safer than trying to outrun the tempest. (The sailor understood that this passive tactic was preferable for survival.)
Variants and Related Words
- Hull (noun): the main body of a ship, excluding masts, rigging, and superstructure.
- The hull of the ship was reinforced with iron plates. (The outer shell of the vessel.)
- A-hull (alternate spelling): same meaning as "ahull," sometimes hyphenated.
- They set the ship a-hull to wait out the squall. (They positioned the ship with sails furled.)
Synonyms
- Laid to: a ship that is stopped or nearly stopped by trimming sails to counteract forward motion.
- Hove to: a similar state where a ship is brought to a standstill by balancing sails and helm.
Related Idioms
- "To ride out a storm": to endure a difficult period without taking active action, much like a ship lying ahull.
- The company decided to ride out the economic storm by cutting costs. (To survive passively through hardship.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Lie ahull: to take the specific action of furling sails and lashing the helm.
- The crew was instructed to lie ahull as the wind reached force 10. (They carried out the maneuver.)