Definition of "keelhaul" in English

verb

1. (transitive, nautical) To punish by dragging under the keel of a ship with the intent of causing painful injuries.

2. (transitive) To rebuke harshly.

   • I've been asking myself the same question and there are two ways to answer it—yes and no. Yes, because he took on a responsibility no one else wanted—for the reasons we've all witnessed—and no because keelhauling him will be five percent about fixing what he may have done wrong and ninety-five percent about scapegoating.