Definition

Verb

Alternatively: trise, trize, or trice up

  • To hoist or haul in with a line.

Origin

15th century from early Dutch, trijsen, of the same meaning.

Comments

Occasionally, this is also used in a manner meaning “hurry up!” During reveille, you may hear the call to “heave out and trice up” which derives from the old practice of sailors sleeping in hammocks. Therefore, to “heave out” would mean to get out of bed (your hammock), and to “trice up” would mean to stow away your hammock.

References

King, D., Hattendorf, J.B, & Estes, J.W. (1997). A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O’Brian’s Seafaring Tales (2nd Ed.). Owl Books.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.

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