ole length, and supporting the frame like the backbone in
quadrupeds; it is usually first laid on the blocks in building, being
the base of the superstructure. Accordingly, the stem and stern-posts
are, in some measure, a continuation of the keel, and serve to connect
the extremities of the sides by transoms, as the keel forms and unites
the bottom by timbers. The keel is generally composed of several thick
pieces placed lengthways, which, after being scarphed together, are
bolted and clinched upon the upper side. In iron vessels the keel is
formed of one or more plates of iron, having a concave curve, or limber
channel, along its upper surface.--_To give the keel_, is to
careen.--_Keel_ formerly meant a vessel; so many "keels struck the
sands." Also, a low flat-bottomed vessel used on the Tyne to carry coals
(21 tons 4 cwt.) down from Newcastle for loading the colliers; hence the
latter are said to carry so many keels of coals. [Anglo-Saxon _ceol_, a
small bark.]--_False keel._ A fir keel-piece bolted to the bottom of the
keel, to assist stability and make a ship hold a better wind. It is
temporary, being pinned by stake-bolts with spear-points; so when a
vessel grounds, this frequently, being of fir or Canada elm, floats and
comes up alongside.--_Rabbets of the keel._ The furrow, which is
continued up stem and stern-post, into which the garboard and other
streaks fay. The butts take into the gripe ahead, or after-deadwood and
stern-post abaft.--_Rank keel._ A very deep keel, one calculated to keep
the ship from rolling heavily.--_Upon an even keel._ The position of a
ship when her keel is parallel to the plane of the horizon, so that she
is equally deep in the water at both ends.

KEELAGE. A local duty charged on all vessels coming into a harbour.

KEEL-BLOCKS. Short log ends of timbers on which the keel of a vessel
rests while building or repairing, affording access to work beneath.

KEEL-DEETERS. The wives and daughters of keelmen, who sweep and clean
the keels, having the sweepings of small coal for their trouble.

KEEL-HAULING. A severe punishment formerly inflicted for various
offences, especially in the Dutch navy. The culprit was suspended by a
rope from one fore yard-arm attached to his back, with a weight upon his
legs, and having another rope fastened to him, leading under the ship's
bottom, and through a block at its opposite yard-arm; he was then let
fall into the sea, when, passing under the ship's bott