Parliamentary heel

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English

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Etymology

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

Noun

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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.