A retractable keel or fin on a sailing boat that can be raised or lowered through a slot in the hull.
Compound of dagger (from its pointed, knife-like shape) and board. The term emerged in sailing terminology in the 18th-19th centuries to describe this innovative nautical device.
The daggerboard was a revolutionary invention for small sailboats—it let them escape shallow waters and navigate rivers that deep-keeled ships couldn't enter, completely changing trade routes!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.