Blackwall hitch

[ blak-wawl ]

noun

1. a hitch made with a rope over a hook so that it holds fast when pulled but is loose otherwise.

Blackwall hitch

/ ˈblækˌwɔːl /

noun

1. a knot for hooking tackle to the end of a rope, holding fast when pulled but otherwise loose

Word History and Origins

Origin of Blackwall hitch¹

First recorded in 1860–65; named after Blackwall, a London shipyard

Word History and Origins

Origin of Blackwall hitch¹

C19: named after Blackwall , former docks in London

Example Sentences

A Midshipman's Hitch is sometimes used instead of a Blackwall hitch, and will hold better if the rope is at all greasy.

From Project Gutenberg

It was fastened by a rope lanyard to a large bolt below the rail, and fastened with what Burns called a Blackwall hitch—a sailor's knot.

From Project Gutenberg