1. an old woman, especially one who is poor or of low social status
Usage: archaic; chiefly Scottish or Northern English
2. a timber or beam used as a support in a ship or building
Usage: nautical; archaic

Examples

• The old carline sat by the fire, warming her hands.
• In the Scottish ballad, a carline warned the young traveler of danger ahead.
• The ship's carlines were reinforced to withstand the storm.
• The carline lived alone in a cottage at the edge of the village.
• Medieval builders used sturdy carlines to frame the cathedral's roof.