Baggywrinkle
Baggywrinkle on the rigging of USCGC Eagle.

Definition

AKA bagawringle, bangawrinkle, baggywringle, bag-o’-wrinkle, etc.

Noun

  • Padding to inhibit chafing on rigging and sails.

Origin

Probably early 19th century. The origin of the term is uncertain, whether American, British, or Canadian. One conjecture is that baggy is what it says. Wringle is from the Old English word for wrap or twist, and wrinkle is a corruption of the term.

Comments

From afar, baggywrinkle appears to be moss hanging from the rigging, but up close, it appears and has the feel of coarse yarn.

Baggywrinkle is made by stretching two lengths of marline and cutting old manila rope into approximately 4-inch lengths, which are then stranded. The strands of manila are laid across the two lengths of marline, bent over, and pulled tight.

References

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

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