helm-port

plural helm-ports

1. alternativeAlternative form of helm port.

   There's something else – do you see the wide helm-port that the head of her helm goes through?

   1864, Jules Verne, The English at the North Pole

   2 more examples

   The hands were now actively employed in endeavouring to keep the sea from breaking into the gun-room, which at every send-aft came in, in alarming quantities; which, however, was materially prevented by slinging gratings covered with tarpawlings, and applying them externally to the helm-port, with laniards somewhat similar to those of a ballast port, to confine them.

   1821, Thomas Lynn, Star tables Number I. For the Year 1822, page 142

   ... the helm-port, or opening in the centre, where the rudder-head enters, is so reduced, that the old dangerous rudder-coat of canvass or leather -- a very insufficient barrier to the breaking through of seas and swamping of the ship -- is now dispensed with, and woodwork, called canting, is substituted.

   1833, William Hookey, “NO. X STRENGTHENING THE TOP-SIDES AND DECKS OF SHIPS”, in Transactions of the Society, Instituted at London, for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, volume 50, number 1