sheer-hulk, shear-hulk
[f. sheer, shear n.1 4 + hulk n.2 3.
The etymologically preferable spelling shear-hulk is little used. In the popular figurative use of the word, derived from nautical songs, the first element is often misunderstood as sheer adj., and the compound written as two words.]
The hulk or body of an old disused ship fitted with shears, etc., for hoisting purposes; also a vessel specially built and fitted with shears.
| 1768 Phil. Trans. LVIII. 139 When the Fame Man of War was driven from her mooring in Hamoaze; together with the sheer-hulk on the rocks. 1799 Capt. Portlock in Naval Chron. III. 71 She had been built for a sheer-hulk. a 1843 Southey Comm.-pl. Bk. (1851) IV. 385 The S. Raphael..being too bad for a sheer-hulk was purchased by Mr. Hawker of Plymouth. 1860 Worcester, Sheer-hulk..written also shear-hulk. 1862 Catal. Internat. Exhib. II. xii. 22 Double sheer hulk for raising sunken vessels. |
| fig. 1790 C. Dibdin Song, Poor Tom, Here, a sheer hulk, lies poor Tom Bowling. 1866 Sir P. Wallis in Brighton Life (1892) 213 Then a young lieutenant, but now a worn⁓out sheer hulk. |