lead line

[ led ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a line by which a lead is lowered into the water to take soundings: in deep-sea practice, divided into levels one fathom apart, variously treated as marks and deeps.

lead line

/ lɛd /

noun

1. nautical a length of line for swinging a lead, marked at various points to indicate multiples of fathoms

Word History and Origins

Origin of lead line¹

First recorded in 1475–85

Example Sentences

The instructor would give you a lead line and a slate board, and drop you into the water.

From The Daily Beast

Soundings were taken at frequent intervals with a hand lead-line, manipulated by Madigan.

From Project Gutenberg

I tell 'ee what, sir, them Frenchies is treecherous devils, an' not to be trusted the len'th of a lead line.

From Project Gutenberg

He encountered a small, hard line, like a lead-line, being paid out from the forecastle and carried aft by the man who had passed.

From Project Gutenberg

The man at the helm and the man with the lead-line fell backwards into the boat.

From Project Gutenberg

You would like better something more after the "Munich" school, where the lead line is disguised or circumvented.

From Project Gutenberg