bilge

Etymology

Likely derived from bulge. Compare Middle English bulgen (“to ground or scuttle a ship”).

noun

1. (nautical) The rounded portion of a ship's hull, forming a transition between the bottom and the sides.
2. (nautical) The lowest inner part of a ship's hull, where water accumulates.
3. (uncountable) The water accumulated in the bilge; bilge water.
4. (slang, uncountable) Stupid talk or writing; nonsense.
   talk bilge
   complete bilge
5. The bulging part of a barrel or cask.

verb

1. (nautical, intransitive) To spring a leak in the bilge.
2. (intransitive) To bulge or swell.
3. (nautical, transitive) To break open the bilge(s) of.