The Collaborative International Dictionary
Clinker-built \Clink"er-built\, a. (Naut.) Having the side planks (af a boat) so arranged that the lower edge of each overlaps the upper edge of the plank next below it like clapboards on a house. See Lapstreak.
Wiktionary
a. (context nautical English) in which the planks or plate of the hull are laid so that each plank overlaps the edge of the plank or plate below it, and in the case of plates, behind it. alt. (context nautical English) in which the planks or plate of the hull are laid so that each plank overlaps the edge of the plank or plate below it, and in the case of plates, behind it.
WordNet
adj. (of ships) built with overlapping hull planks [syn: clincher-built] [ant: carvel-built]
Usage examples of "clinker-built".
The clinker-built construction, as opposed to the carvel construction of the south, with flush planking, is somewhat more inclined to leak, but is much stronger in the high waters of the north.
Deep gouges marred the clinker-built hull, scars cutting through the red-and-yellow paint to reveal pale wood beneath.
Viking longships, clinker-built and locked to the prow and the tail, simply fell to bits when struck square on.
The planks of the clinker-built boat sprang outward from their settings, letting in the onrushing sea.
These were long and lean, clinker-built, gaudily painted, many with stemposts carved into fantastic figureheads.