Definition

Noun

Also halliard

  • Any line for hoisting sails, spars, or flags.

Origin

13th century. A composite of the words “haul yard.” From the Old French word, haler, and Old Saxon word, halar, both meaning haul. Yard is from the Old English and Old Saxon word, gerd, meaning spar.

Comments

Not just limited to ropes, but can also be wires and tackles. The exception to halyards are jeers which are used to haul the heavy sails (courses) of square-rigged ships and fore-and-aft rigged ships.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

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.