Boltropes

/ˈboʊltroʊps/ noun

Definition

Plural of boltrope; multiple ropes sewn around the edges of sails or used in sailmaking.

Etymology

Standard plural of 'boltrope,' adding -s. Maritime terminology reflecting the multi-sail rigging of traditional vessels.

Kelly Says

A large sailing ship like a clipper ship might have had boltropes on dozens of different sails, and replacing a worn boltrope was skilled work—one mistake could mean the sail would rip during the next storm, potentially costing lives.

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