bowline

bowline Definition

bow·line (bō′lin, -līn′)

noun

a rope running forward from the middle of a square sail's weather edge to the bow, used to keep the sail taut when the ship is sailing into the wind
a knot used in making a loop that will not slip or tighten under tension

Etymology: ME boueline, prob. < MDu boeglijne (or Dan bovline); for IE bases see bow & line

bowline Idioms

on a bowline

with sails set so as to head close to the wind; closehauled

bowline Usage Examples

Converse of object

tie: A five year old teaching the adults how to tie a bowline is a sight to behold!
include: Knots, including bowline, figure of 8, clove hitch, Italian hitch, prussik, double fisherman's.
use: I used a bowline ' cos it's compact and secure.

Modifies a noun

knot: Attach a rope to the harness using either a figure of eight or a bowline knot.

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