a contrivance, as a looped rope, large hook and eye, or grommet, used for securing loose ropes, oars, spars, etc.
Origin:
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Becket,
Saint Thomas à (1118?-70); Eng. prelate: archbishop of Canterbury: murdered after opposing Henry II: his day is Dec. 29
See becket in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun Nautical
A device, such as a looped rope, hook and eye, strap, or grommet, used to hold or fasten loose ropes, spars, or oars in position.
Origin:
Origin: Origin unknown
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English Roman Catholic martyr. Chancellor to Henry II after 1154, he was appointed archbishop of Canterbury (1162) and fell into disfavor with the king. Charged with misappropriating crown funds (1164), Becket fled the country. Upon his return (1170) he was embroiled in the controversy surrounding Henry's appointment of his son as archbishop of York and was murdered by four knights in Canterbury Cathedral. He was canonized in 1173.