Inside the line of a ship's bulwarks or hull

Question

inboard (adv)1 : inside the line of a ship's bulwarks or hull2 : toward the center line of a vehicle or craft (as a ship or aircraft)[M-W's Col. Dic.]HiWhich of the senses of "line" fits in the above definition? I have listed a few choices which, in my opinion, are relevant. line (noun) : http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lineThe choices are: e1, 5a, 7b, 9aAre these choices correct? Which one of them is the most apt?What does "center line" mean?Please guide me. Thanks.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

Jackson6612What does "center line" mean?

When a thing/object is symmetrical, the "axis of symmetry" could be described as the center like.
For example, if you consider the standard "heart-shaped" valentine:
The center like would run from the bottom "point" to the notch between the two top lobes.
With your definition #2, it would be possible to say that one point on the deck is "more inboard" than another, because it's closer to the center (farther from the edge.)
You could even say that point A is inboard of point B by virtue of being closer to the center of the vessel (laterally).

Sometimes it helps to think of an "outboard motor." The motor is mounted completely outside the perimeter of the boat. (It's removable.)

An inboard motor, on the other hand, is permanently mounted inside the vessel, perhaps in the center.

"line" definition 3e(1); 9a;

Inside the line of a ship's bulwarks or hull

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