adv. phr. Naut. [A prep.1 of state + HULL.] (See quot.)
1582. N. Lichefield, trans. Castanheda’s Conq. E. Ind., 73. All this time the shippes laye a hull.
1628. Digby, Voy. Medit. (1868), 78. Then wee lay a hull till wee gott a new maine course to the yard.
a. 1733. North, Lives of Norths, II. 316. All this while the ship ploughed her mizen shrouds under water, and then we were fain to lie a-hull at the mercy of the sea and waves.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., s.v. Hull, To strike hull in a storm, is to take in her sails and lash the helm on the lee side of the ship, which is termed to lie a-hull.
