Protective wrapping made of old rope or canvas strips wound around ship's rigging to prevent wear and chafing from ropes rubbing together.
Nautical term combining 'baggy' (loose, droopy appearance) and 'wrinkle.' This compound term originated among British sailors in the 19th century and appears in naval manuals.
Baggywrinkle is the perfect example of how sailors invented incredibly practical solutions with zero budget—they'd take worn-out rope, fray and tease it out, then wrap it around other ropes where they rubbed. It was free, effective, and it looked appropriately ratty and baggy, hence the name.
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