Definition

Noun

  • All lines that can be readily moved.

Origin

Probably earlier than the early 17th century.

Comments

Entire books can be written on rigging and it’s technicalities so we won’t go into detail here.

This term is still used on cargo ships and sailing vessels. On fore-and-aft rigged ships, running rigging used for hoisting sails are known as halyards. Those used for yards are known as jeers. On square-rigged ships, only triangular sails are hoisted by halyards. The square sails are hoisted to the yards by jiggers.

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.