Hull-down

Alternative forms

• hull down

Full definition of hull-down

Adjective

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