The Collaborative International Dictionary
keelhale
Keelhaul \Keel"haul`\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Keelhauled; p. pr.
& vb. n. Keelhauling.] [3d keel + haul: cf. LG. & D.
kielhalen, G. kielholen. ] [Written also keelhale.] (Naut.)
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.
--Totten.