hulk

English

/hʌlk/

noun
Definitions
  • A non-functional but floating ship, usually stripped of rigging and equipment, and often put to other uses such as storage or accommodation.
  • (archaic) Any large ship that is difficult to maneuver.
  • A large structure with a dominating presence.
  • A big (and possibly clumsy) person.
  • (bodybuilding) An excessively muscled person.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English hulk inherited from Old English hulc (hut, hulk, light ship, hovel, cabin) inherited from Proto-Germanic *hulkaz (cavity, recess, a hollow, hollow) derived from Proto-Indo-European *ḱel- (cover, hide, conceal, cold, protect, incline, hot, warm, cut, save) derived from Middle Low German hulk.

Origin

Middle Low German

hulk

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms