Definition

Noun

  • The line (including chain) to an anchor.

Origin

Probably earlier than the early 17th century. Believed to be an New England and Eastern Canadian colloquialism. Possibly originating in Great Britain, a past tense form of ride.

Comments

When anchoring, the amount of rode you need is known as scope. Once the anchor is lowered and fast on the bottom, a boat will need to back down and pay out rode. As a general rule of thumb, the BoatUS Foundation recommends a scope of 7:1 in normal seas (7 feet of rode for every 1 foot of depth), 5:1 in calm seas, and 10:1 in heavy weather.

References

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