Emily Dickinson Lexicon

KEEL, n. [Sax. cæle; G. and D. kiel; Dan. kiil, kiol; Russ. kil; Sw. köl; Fr. quille; Sp. quilla; Port. quilha. The word, in different languages, signifies a keel, a pin, kayle, and a quill; probably from extending.]

1. The principal timber in a ship, extending from stem to stern at the bottom, and supporting the whole frame. – Mar. Dict.
2. A low flat-bottomed vessel, used in the river Tyne, to convey coals from Newcastle for loading the colliers.
3. In botany, the lower petal of a papilionaceous corol, inclosing the stamens and pistil. – Martyn. False keel, a strong thick piece of timber, bolted to the bottom of the keel, to preserve it from injury. On an even keel, in a level or horizontal position.