bilboes
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Then, if we do not obey their foolish rules, they nab us when we come into port again, and fine us—perhaps put us in the bilboes.
From Dulcibel A Tale of Old Salem by Pyle, Howard
The bilboes is a bar of iron with fetters annexed to it, by which mutinous or disorderly sailors were anciently linked together.
From Folk-lore of Shakespeare by Thiselton-Dyer, Thomas Firminger
The next year another Newe-towne man, being penitent, Henry Bright, was set in the bilboes for “swearynge.”
From Curious Punishments of Bygone Days by Earle, Alice Morse
Shakspeare makes Hamlet sleep "Worse than the mutines in the bilboes."
From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir
Whether the Spanish Armada story is true or not, bilboes were certainly much used on board ship.
From Curious Punishments of Bygone Days by Earle, Alice Morse
