tr.v. keel·hauled, keel·haul·ing, keel·hauls 1. Nautical To discipline by dragging under the keel of a ship. 2. To rebuke harshly. [Alteration (influenced by KEEL1 and HAUL) of Dutch kielhalen : kiel, keel of a ship (from Middle Dutch) + halen, to haul (from Middle Dutch); see kelə-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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