Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HULL, n. [Sax. hul, the cover of a nut; G. hülse; D. hulse; W. hûl, a cover; huliaw, to cover, to deck, G. hüllen. See Hulk.]

1. The outer covering of any thing, particularly of a nut or of grain. Johnson says, the hull of a nut covers the shell.
2. The frame or body of a ship, exclusive of her masts, yards and rigging. Mar. Dict. To lie a hull, in seamen's language, is to lie as a ship without any sail upon her, and her helm lashed a-lee. Encyc. To strike a hull, in a storm, is to take in the sails, and lash the helm on the lee-side of a ship. Encyc.