Bends of a ship
| the thickest and strongest planks in her sides, more generally called wales. They have the beams, knees, and foothooks bolted to them. Also, the frames or ribs that form the ship's body from the keel to the top of the sides; as, the midship bend. |
See also: Bend
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by G. & C. Merriam Co.