a. Naut. [f. WALT a. + -Y.] = WALT a.
Prob. Obs., the knowledge of the word being derived, through Longfellow, from quot. 1702.
1702. C. Mather, Magn. Christi, I. vi. 25. A New Ship, built at Rhode Island, of about 150 Tuns; but so walty, that the Master … often said she would prove their Grave.
[1850. Longf., Birds of Passage, Phantom Ship, iv. This ship is so crank and walty, I fear our grave she will be!]
1896. Kipling, Seven Seas, Merchantmen, iv. By sport of bitter weather, We’re walty, strained, and scarred.
1904. F. T. Bullen, Creat. Sea, xxiv. 362. In spite of the walty state of the almost worn-out vessel.
