| 释义 |
sheer-hulk, shear-hulk
[f. sheer, shear n.1 4 + hulk n.2 3.
The etymologically preferable spelling shear-hulk is little used. In the popular figurative use of the word, derived from nautical songs, the first element is often misunderstood as sheer adj., and the compound written as two words.]
The hulk or body of an old disused ship fitted with shears, etc., for hoisting purposes; also a vessel specially built and fitted with shears.
1768Phil. Trans. LVIII. 139 When the Fame Man of War was driven from her mooring in Hamoaze; together with the sheer-hulk on the rocks. 1799Capt. Portlock in Naval Chron. III. 71 She had been built for a sheer-hulk. a1843Southey Comm.-pl. Bk. (1851) IV. 385 The S. Raphael..being too bad for a sheer-hulk was purchased by Mr. Hawker of Plymouth. 1860Worcester, Sheer-hulk..written also shear-hulk. 1862Catal. Internat. Exhib. II. xii. 22 Double sheer hulk for raising sunken vessels.
fig.1790C. Dibdin Song, Poor Tom, Here, a sheer hulk, lies poor Tom Bowling. 1866Sir P. Wallis in Brighton Life (1892) 213 Then a young lieutenant, but now a worn⁓out sheer hulk. |