The protuberant part of a cask, which is usually in the middle.
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.
3.
Bilge water.
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.
... day, the winde comming at the Northeast, and the Confidence being troubled with bilge water, and stocked, we thought it good to seeke harbour for her redresse: then we bare roome the 18 day ... — The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques, • Richard Hakluyt
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