The Gothic hulga meant a husk or external covering, and hence the body of a ship, independent of masts, yards, sails, rigging, and other furniture, is so called.
♦ To hull, signifies to hit with shot; to drive to and fro without rudder, sail, or oar; as Milton
"He looked and saw the ark hull on the flood."
♦ To strike hull in a storm, is to take in her sails and lash the helm on the lee side of the ship, which is termed to lie a-hull.