-keelhaul-

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Keelhauled p. pr. & vb. n. Keelhauling. ] [ 3d keel + haul: cf. LG. & D. kielhalen, G. kielholen. ] [ Written also keelhale. ] (Naut.) To haul under the keel of a ship, by ropes attached to the yardarms on each side. It was formerly practiced as a punishment in the Dutch and English navies. Totten. [ 1913 Webster ]