4. Fig.: A source of supply; fountain; wellspring. "This well of
mercy." Chaucer.
Dan Chaucer, well of English undefiled.
Spenser.
A well of serious thought and pure.
Keble.
5. (Naut.) (a) An inclosure in the middle of a vessel's hold, around
the pumps, from the bottom to the lower deck, to preserve the pumps
from damage and facilitate their inspection. (b) A compartment in the
middle of the hold of a fishing vessel, made tight at the sides, but
having holes perforated in the bottom to let in water for the
preservation of fish alive while they are transported to market. (c) A
vertical passage in the stern into which an auxiliary screw propeller
may be drawn up out of water. (d) A depressed space in the after part
of the deck; — often called the cockpit.
6. (Mil.) A hole or excavation in the earth, in mining, from which run
branches or galleries.
7. (Arch.) An opening through the floors of a building, as for a
staircase or an elevator; a wellhole.