Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective nautical Of a ship so far distant that only the masts and sails are visible above the horizon
  • adjective military Of a tank, stopped with its hull protected by ground to the front, so that its occupants or weapons have a line of sight forward.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Two days later the mood changed when they sighted a strange ship hull-down on the horizon.

    Champlain's Dream David Hackett Fischer 2008

  • Two days later the mood changed when they sighted a strange ship hull-down on the horizon.

    Champlain's Dream David Hackett Fischer 2008

  • "The Lord knows what we may find, dear lass, And the Deuce knows what we may do - But we're back once more on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail, We're down, hull-down, on the Long Trail - the trail that is always new!"

    Starfarers Anderson, Poul, 1926- 1998

  • If possible, the stationary overwatch element occupies hull-down firing positions that afford effective cover and concealment, unobstructed observation, and clear fields of fire.

    FM 71-1 Chapter 3 Offensive Operations United States Army 1998

  • The base of fire element occupies hull-down firing positions (when possible) that afford effective cover and concealment, unobstructed observation, and clear fields of fire.

    FM 71-1 Chapter 3 Offensive Operations United States Army 1998

  • Ensure that positions allow vehicle commanders, loaders, and/or gunners (as applicable for each vehicle) to observe the engagement area from the turret-down position and engage enemy forces from the hull-down position.

    FM 71-1 Chapter 4 Defensive Operations United States Army 1998

  • "We're going to drive as far as that line of hills and go into hull-down positions on the back slope," said Ernst. "The attack waves will probably be on the move as soon as the barrage lifts."

    Panzer Aces Kurowski, Franz 1992

  • The Jagdtigers, tanks, and assault guns moved into hull-down positions on the crest of the hill.

    Panzer Aces Kurowski, Franz 1992

  • When hide positions are used, the primary firing positions should also be hull-down

    FM 7-91 Chptr 3 Employment/ Antiarmor Platoon United States Army 1987

  • A tank can be identified even if it is in a hull-down position, because three of the four areas -- turret, main gun, and commander's station -- can normally be seen.

    FM 7-91 Chptr 3 Employment/ Antiarmor Platoon United States Army 1987

Comments

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  • Describing a vessel that is so far away, only its masts and sails are visible on the horizon; as opposed to hull-up.

    March 3, 2008