downhaul

[ doun-hawl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. any of various lines for pulling down a sail or a yard, as for securing in a lowered position when not in use.

downhaul

/ ˈdaʊnˌhɔːl /

noun

1. nautical a line for hauling down a sail or for increasing the tension at its luff

Word History and Origins

Origin of downhaul¹

First recorded in 1660–70; down ¹ + haul

Example Sentences

Downhaul makes feeling lost and lonely on this Earth seem like a journey worth taking.

From Washington Post

Downhaul’s latest album “Proof” can shift from country twang to triumphant rock in the same song, driven by its patient guitars and lurching drums.

From Washington Post

The British team had a major problem in the leadup to Saturday’s race with the cunningham - the hydraulic downhaul system which controls the shape of the sail and rake of the mast.

From Washington Times

The British team had a major problem in the leadup to Saturday’s race with the cunningham — the hydraulic downhaul system which controls the shape of the sail and rake of the mast.

From Seattle Times

This did not matter, because he knew they must secure the sail before the tornado broke, and he pulled at the downhaul.

From Project Gutenberg