the sea-language, the bringing a ship to lie down on one side, in order to trim and caulk the other side.

A ship is said to be brought to the careen, when, the most of her lading being taken out; she is hulled down on one side, by a small vessel, as often as necessary; and there kept by the weight of the ballast, ordnance, &c. as well as by ropes, lest her masts should be strained too much; in order that her sides and bottom may be trimmed, seams caulked, or any thing that is faulty under water mended. Hence, when a ship lies on one side when she sails, she is said to fail on the careen.