Beam-ends (Noun)
Meaning
(nautical) at the ends of the transverse deck beams of a vessel; "on her beam-ends" means heeled over on the side so that the deck is almost vertical.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The ship was on her beam-ends, listing severely to port after taking on water in the storm.
- As the crew struggled to right the vessel, they found themselves clinging to the beam-ends to avoid being swept overboard.
- After the collision, the ship was left on her beam-ends, her mast snapped and her hull breached.
- The old sailor's eyes widened as he watched the ship go on her beam-ends, her crew scrambling to deploy the lifeboats.
- The beam-ends were awash as the ferry rode out the rough seas, its passengers clinging to whatever handhold they could find.