even-keeledadj.
/ˌiːvnˈkiːld/, U.S. /ˌiv(ə)nˈkild/ Of a boat or ship: having a horizontal or level keel, typically ensuring smooth or stable sailing. Also (and in earliest use) figurative and in figurative contexts: calm, steady, unwavering; emotionally or mentally stable.
ΚΠ
1869 Christian Advocate 2 Sept. 274 [The movement's] avowed purpose is to make our good old even-keeled Methodism careen like the other ecclesiastical clippers.
1886 E. W. Streeter Pearls & Pearling Life viii. 161 If ever there was an expedition fated to end in disaster it was this: roomy, even-keeled vessels are required, not beautiful yachts.
1930 Philippine Mag. Jan. 494/1 Don Aguedo Velarde, a mind sane and even-keeled.
1963 J. E. S. Thompson Maya Archaeologist v. 92 Because the Maya are..so even-keeled, one has good assurance that fundamentally they act today as they acted a millennium ago.
1986 Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (Electronic ed.) 11 Feb. a11 His early work on building..other submersibles demonstrated..that an even-keeled boat could be built.
2017 Guardian (Nexis) 4 Feb. Staffers of even the most even-keeled presidents are prone to burn out after only a few years.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1869