[f. KEEL sb.2 + BULLY sb.1 2.] One of the crew of a keel; a Tyneside lighterman.

1

a. 1700.  B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Keel-bullies, Lightermen that carry Coals to and from the Ships, so called in Derision.

2

1789.  Brand, Hist. Newcastle, II. 261, note.

3

1860.  [see BULLY sb.1 2].

4

1863.  in Robson, Bards of Tyne, 73. The keelbullies a’, Byeth greet an’ sma’.

5