Definition

Verb

  • To wind a rope or lay it out in a series of rings.

Origin

Probably earlier than the early 17th century. From the French word coilier, meaning to gather.

Comments

This is the normal method for stowing rope aboard a ship. Lines are laid up in circular turns known as fakes. The direction of the coil (clockwise or counterclockwise) depends on the “lay of the rope,” either right-handed or left-handed. A right-handed lay is coiled clockwise and vice versa for a left-handed lay. The correct direction of coiling a line keeps the lay tight.

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.