Parliamentary heel

See also: parliamentary heel

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

Parliamentary heel (plural Parliamentary heels)

1. (nautical, historical) A maintenance manoeuvre for sailing vessels during the Age of Sail — similar to careening — during which weight (such as ballast, guns or crew) is shifted to one side of the vessel to make it heel; thereby providing relatively quick access to the underside of the vessel for cleaning or repair at low expense.

   Alternative form: parliamentary heel

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see parliamentary,‎ heel.