fairlead

[ fair-leed ]

noun

1. a pulley, thimble, etc., used to guide a rope forming part of the rigging of a ship, crane, etc., in such a way as to prevent chafing.
2. Machinery. (on power shovels or cranes) a swiveling mounting for sheaves, over which cables pass.

fairlead

/ ˈfɛəˌliːd /

noun

1. nautical a block or ring through which a line is rove to keep it clear of obstructions, prevent chafing, or maintain it at an angle Also calledleader

Word History and Origins

Origin of fairlead¹

First recorded in 1855–60; fair ¹ + lead ¹

Example Sentences

“What about a net roller? Or one of these fairleads at the stern of a gill-netter? Are they also flat and narrow?”

From Literature

He regretted that he had not doubled the rope, but now nothing could be done beyond putting a temporary "parcelling" round it where it passed through the bow fairlead.

From Project Gutenberg

Kabuo, giving up, propped a buoy bag between the stern fairleads and lit a kerosene lantern with a wooden kitchen match.

From Literature

In the stern the net slipped free from the drum and rolled over the fairleads easily toward the sea until at last the whole of it was out of the boat, three hundred fathoms long.

From Literature