amidships

1. 1.

   (not comparable, usually)(nautical) In the middle of a ship, either longitudinally or laterally.

   [The U-boat captain] waited until the crosshairs lay directly amidships.

   Two more torpedoes were fired; one ran erratic; the second hit amidships.

   The saloon, instead of being at the stern, according to the old method of construction, is placed more amidships.

   The main cabin, most amidships, was 8 feet 3 inches broad …

2. 2.

   (not comparable, usually)(nautical) Usually in the line of the keel, but sometimes halfway between bow and stern; often contracted to “midships.” (FM 55-501).

3. 3.

   (figuratively, not comparable, usually)On the flank, at a vulnerable place.

midships

1. 1.

   A helm order, normally shortened to midships!, to centre the helm in the line of the keel.