amidships

Etymology

amid + ships

adv

1. (nautical) In the middle of a ship, either longitudinally or laterally.
   [The U-boat captain] waited until the crosshairs lay directly amidships.
   Two more torpedoes were fired; one ran erratic; the second hit amidships.
   The saloon, instead of being at the stern, according to the old method of construction, is placed more amidships.
   The main cabin, most amidships, was 8 feet 3 inches broad …
2. (nautical) Usually in the line of the keel, but sometimes halfway between bow and stern; often contracted to “midships.” (FM 55-501).
3. (figurative) On the flank, at a vulnerable place.

intj

1. A helm order, normally shortened to midships!, to centre the helm in the line of the keel.