Definition

Noun

  • A large cleat or pair of bitts on older sailing ships.

Origin

Probably older than the early 17th century. From Old French keville, meaning peg or cleat.

Comments

AKA kennet or range. There are also other spellings, such as cavil and chevil.

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.