Well

(wel.) [ From A. S. welle.) A cylindrical excavation sunk vertically into the earth to a depth sufficient to reach a supply of fresh water, and walled around with stone or brick to prevent the sides from falling in.-(Mil.) A shaft sunk underground, with arterial branches running parallel out of it, either to prepare a mine, or to come acro and counteract one being prepared by the enemy. (Shipbuilding.) A small partitioned-off space near a ship's mainmast, serving to enclose the pumps, and extending from the keel to the lower deck, in merchant-ve els, or to the gun-deck, in ships of war.- See ARTESIAN WELL. [s. 955]