1. Plural of carline; an old or ugly woman (archaic or derogatory).
Usage: archaic; derogatory; chiefly Scottish or Northern English
2. Plural of carline; horizontal timbers or beams that support a ship's deck or bridge structure.
Usage: nautical; technical

Examples

• The old carlines in the village were known for their folk wisdom.
• The ship's carlines were reinforced to withstand the rough seas.
• In the medieval tale, three carlines guarded the castle gate.
• The carpenter inspected the carlines beneath the deck for rot.
• The carlines of the bridge had to be replaced after decades of wear.