DictionaryplimsollShip loading mark
noun

plimsoll

A mark on a ship showing its legal loading limit.

The plimsoll shows the ship's legal loading limit at a glance.

Etymology

The load mark is named after Samuel Plimsoll, who campaigned against dangerously overloaded ships. His surname became the name of the line limiting safe loading.

More examples

  • The inspector checks the plimsoll before the ship leaves port.
  • Workers stop loading cargo as the water reaches the plimsoll.
  • The plimsolls on both sides of the hull remain visible.

Forms

plimsoll · plimsolls

Similar words

load line
The standard technical term for the same legal loading mark.