hull-down

English

Alternative forms

• hull down

Adjective

hull-down (not comparable)

1. (nautical) Of a ship: so far distant that only the masts and sails are visible above the horizon.
   • 1898, Joseph Conrad, Youth:

     In the morning a homeward-bound ship passed us hull down, -- the first we had seen for months; [...]

2. (military) Of a tank: stopped with its hull protected by ground to the front, so that its occupants or weapons have a line of sight forward.

Synonyms

• (military): in defilade, defiladed

Related terms

• (nautical): hull-up
• (military): turret-down, turret down