deadeye

[ ded-ahy ]

noun

, plural dead·eyes.

1. Nautical. either of a pair of disks of hardwood having holes through which a lanyard is rove: used to tighten shrouds and stays.
2. an expert marksman.

deadeye

/ ˈdɛdˌaɪ /

noun

1. nautical either of a pair of disclike wooden blocks, supported by straps in grooves around them, between which a line is rove so as to draw them together to tighten a shroud Compare bull's-eye
2. informal.
   an expert marksman

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadeye¹

1740–50; dead + eye; as nautical term, probably ellipsis from deadman's eye, Middle English dedmaneseye deadeye

Example Sentences

Working off the ball allows him to leverage both his deadeye outside shooting and his quick decision-making, and to take advantage of the attention drawn by teammates like Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry and Bam Adebayo.

From FiveThirtyEight

Turning on Bob, with a correct imitation of Mr. Deadeye, at his grouchiest moment.

From Project Gutenberg

"I have thought of it often," a growling voice interrupts, and everybody looks up to see Dick Deadeye.

From Project Gutenberg

"You all seem to think a deal on yourselves," Dick Deadeye growls, as he watches these performances.

From Project Gutenberg

We gave it some lunch and called it “Jack Deadeye,” and for the whole afternoon he was the center of attraction.

From Project Gutenberg

Dick Deadeye was in a very melancholy state of mind during this voyage.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• sharpshooter
• sniper