Meaning of dead men | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see dead, men.
   plural, plural-normally
2. The ends of reefs left flapping instead of being tucked out of sight when a sail has been furled.
   plural, plural-normally
3. The gills of edible crabs.
   US, informal, plural, plural-normally

Examples

“Remove⟳ eyes, dead men (gills), and sand sack if necessary.”

““I call⟳ these the lungs,” says Colleton, pointing to the gills with the dripping, short-handled knife. “The old people call⟳ them ‘dead men.’””

“Once the shell is off, the crab’s gills or lungs, variously called “devil’s fingers” or “dead men” are exposed. These are gray-white, feathery-looking parts that are inedible and must be scraped off and thrown away.”

CEFR level