| n. | 1. | (Naut.) Any heavy substance, as stone, iron, etc., put into the hold to sink a vessel in the water to such a depth as to prevent capsizing. |
| 2. | Any heavy matter put into the car of a balloon to give it steadiness. |
| 3. | Gravel, broken stone, etc., laid in the bed of a railroad to make it firm and solid. |
| 4. | The larger solids, as broken stone or gravel, used in making concrete. |
| 5. | Fig.: That which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security. |
| v. t. | 1. | To steady, as a vessel, by putting heavy substances in the hold. |
| 2. | To fill in, as the bed of a railroad, with gravel, stone, etc., in order to make it firm and solid. |
| 3. | To keep steady; to steady, morally. |