p. pr. & vb. n.
of Keelhaul
v. i.
To haul under the keel of a ship, by ropes attached to the yardarms on each side. It was formerly practiced as a punishment in the Dutch and English navies.
n.
A pencil of black or red lead; -- called also keelyvine pen.
n. pl.
Ninepins. See Kayles.
n.
A piece of timber in a ship laid on the middle of the floor timbers over the keel, and binding the floor timbers to the keel; in iron vessels, a structure of plates, situated like the keelson of a timber ship.
superl.
Sharp; having a fine edge or point; as, a keen razor, or a razor with a keen edge.
superl.
Acute of mind; sharp; penetrating; having or expressing mental acuteness; as, a man of keen understanding; a keen look; keen features.
superl.
Bitter; piercing; acrimonious; cutting; stinging; severe; as, keen satire or sarcasm.
superl.
Piercing; penetrating; cutting; sharp; -- applied to cold, wind, etc, ; as, a keen wind; the cold is very keen.
superl.
Eager; vehement; fierce; as, a keen appetite.
v. t.
To sharpen; to make cold.
n.
A prolonged wail for a deceased person. Cf. Coranach.
v. i.
To wail as a keener does.
n.
A professional mourner who wails at a funeral.