Definition

Noun

  • A short line or sennit for lashing a small object.

Origin

17th century. A possible corruption of the earlier word knittle. From the Old English word cynttan, meaning knitting.

Comments

This could be multiple kinds of yarn or other small stuff used for various purposes. For example, it could be used for seizing a rope to form an eye or to bind the tucks of an eye splice. It can also be used to secure the head and foot of a hammock.

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.