Turk's-head

American  

[turks-hed] / ˈtɜrksˌhɛd /

noun

1. a turbanlike knot of small cords, made around a rope, spar, etc.

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Turk's-head British  

noun

1. an ornamental turban-like knot made by weaving small cord around a larger rope

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Etymology

Origin of Turk's-head

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

The last I still retain, and use whenever I make up a bundle for the express; but before such mysteries—to me—as a Turk's-head and a double-wall, I merely bowed in reverence.

From From Sail to Steam, Recollections of Naval Life by Mahan, A. T. (Alfred Thayer)

"Kate," said I, "do you see what beauties these Turk's-head knots are?"

From Deephaven and Selected Stories & Sketches by Jewett, Sarah Orne

A curious vine hung like a rope, with Turk's-head knots about a foot apart on its whole length, like the hand-over-hand ropes of gymnasiums.

From The Land of Footprints by White, Stewart Edward

He says that he was at that time rather delicate, and had not yet developed that prodigious strength which later on enabled him to strike a 520-pound blow on a Turk's-head.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern, Vol. 15 by Various

Woolfolk moved abruptly, and, securing a bucket to the handle of which a short rope had been spliced and finished with an ornamental Turk’s-head, he swung it overboard and brought it up half full.

From Wild Oranges by Hergesheimer, Joseph