bulk|head

bulk|head «BUHLK _HEHD», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a) one of the upright partitions dividing a ship into compartments. b) a similar partition in the fuselage of an aircraft, to support and stiffen it.

2. a wall or partition built in a tunnel, conduit, or the like, to hold back water, earth, rocks, or air.

3. a boxlike structure covering the top of a staircase or other opening.

4. a horizontal or inclined door leading from the outside of a house to the cellar.

–v.t.

to build or supply with bulkheads: »

Proceeds of the…bond issue would go for dredging, filling and bulkheading the site (Wall Street Journal).

╂[probably < bulk² + head]