n. & v.
--n.
1. a the almost flat part of a ship's bottom, inside or out. b (in full bilge-water) filthy water that collects inside the bilge.
2 sl. nonsense; rot (don't talk bilge).
--v.
1. tr. stave in the bilge of (a ship).
2 intr. spring a leak in the bilge.
3 intr. swell out; bulge.
Phrases and idioms:
bilge-keel a plate or timber fastened under the bilge to prevent rolling.
Etymology: prob. var. of BULGE