kedge

A sailor uses a kedge to pull the boat toward the dock.

Definition

1. Noun (Maritime):

   • A small anchor: "kedge" refers to a light anchor used to warp a vessel, typically by moving it from one location to another by hauling on a line attached to the anchor.

2. Verb (Maritime):

   • To warp a vessel using a kedge: "to kedge" means to move a ship by hauling on a line attached to a small anchor that has been dropped at a distance from the vessel.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The crew deployed the kedge to help maneuver the ship in the narrow channel. (A small anchor used to move the ship.)
  • We need a kedge anchor for this tricky docking procedure. (A light anchor for repositioning.)

• Verb:

  • The sailors kedged the vessel into deeper water. (They moved the ship by hauling on a line attached to a kedge anchor.)
  • To escape the sandbar, the captain ordered the crew to kedge the boat. (To move the boat using a kedge anchor.)

Advanced Usage

• "to kedge off": to use a kedge to free a vessel from grounding.

  • After running aground, the ship kedged off the mudflat. (The crew used a kedge to pull the vessel free.)

• "kedge anchor": a specific type of anchor used for kedging.

  • The kedge anchor was lighter and easier to handle than the main anchor. (A small, portable anchor.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kedging (noun): the act of moving a vessel using a kedge.
  • Kedging is a slow but reliable method of ship movement in calm waters. (The process of warping.)

Synonyms

• Warp: to move a vessel by hauling on a line attached to a fixed object.
• Tow: to pull a vessel using another craft (though not identical, it is related in meaning).

Phrasal Verbs

• Kedge out: to move a vessel away from a shore or obstacle using a kedge.
  • The crew kedged out from the reef to avoid damage. (They moved the ship away using a kedge anchor.)

Related Idioms