Buntline

/ˈbʌntlaɪn/ noun

Definition

A rope on a sailing ship attached to the foot of a square sail, used to pull the sail up to the yard for furling or reefing.

Etymology

Nautical term from 'bunt' (the middle sagging part of a sail when lowered) plus 'line' (rope), used in sailing since at least the 1600s.

Kelly Says

Sailors' language is so specific that 'buntline' describes exactly where the rope is, what it does, and which part of the sail it touches—nothing wasted, everything practical.

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