Definitions

1. verb

to punish at sea by dragging under the ship’s keel, now used figuratively for to punish severely, often by humiliation or loss of reputation.

“The captain was keelhauled for his role in the mutiny.”

2. noun

the punishment of being dragged under the ship’s keel, or a similar severe punishment.

“The sailor was given a keelhaul for his disobedience.”