hull

hull

hull¹ [hul]

n.

[ME hule < OE hulu, akin to Ger hülle, covering: for IE base see HALL]

1. the outer covering of a seed or fruit, as the husk of grain, pod of a pea, shell of a nut, etc.

2. the calyx of some fruits, as the raspberry

3. any outer covering

vt.

to take the hull or hulls off (a seed or fruit)

huller

n.

hull² [hul]

n.

[special use of HULL¹, prob. infl. by Du hol, ship's hold]

1. the frame or body of a ship, excluding the masts, rigging, superstructure, etc.

2.

a) the main body of an airship

b) the watertight frame or main body of a flying boat, amphibious plane or vehicle, hydrofoil, etc., on which it floats when in the water

vt.

to pierce the hull of (a ship) with a shell, torpedo, etc.

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hull down

far enough away so that the hull is below the horizon and only the masts, stacks, etc. are visible