bowline

[ boh-lin, -lahyn ]

noun

1. Also called bowline knot. a knot used to make a nonslipping loop on the end of a rope.
2. Nautical. a rope made fast to the weather leech of a square sail, for keeping the sail as flat as possible when close-hauled.

bowline

/ ˈbəʊlɪn /

noun

1. a line for controlling the weather leech of a square sail when a vessel is close-hauled
2. on a bowline
   beating close to the wind
3. a knot used for securing a loop that will not slip at the end of a piece of rope

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowline¹

1275–1325; Middle English bouline, equivalent to bou- (perhaps boue bow ² ) + line line ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowline¹

C14: probably from Middle Low German bōlīne , equivalent to bow ³ + line ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on a bowline, Nautical. sailing close-hauled.
2. on an easy bowline, Nautical. close-hauled with sails well filled.

Example Sentences

The bowline is also shown in the drawing of the 'Cygnet,' 35 tons, in a following chapter on Thames Clubs.

From Project Gutenberg

The words of these windlass and bowline "shanties" have, of course, little of the element of finished poetry about them.

From Project Gutenberg

To the westward, sir; on an easy bowline, and under short canvass.

From Project Gutenberg

Harry had already made a bowline in a bight at the end of a line.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a coil of extra cable here, and he grabbed the loose end and deftly made a running bowline knot.

From Project Gutenberg