lubber's hole

noun

, Nautical.

1. (in a top on a mast) an open space through which a sailor may pass instead of climbing out on the futtock shrouds.

lubber's hole

noun

1. nautical a hole in a top or platform on a mast through which a sailor can climb

Word History and Origins

Origin of lubber's hole¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

Behind and below him were the knives and pistols of the pirates, above him was I, covering his trembling body with a pistol that I steadied against the edge of the lubber's hole.

From Project Gutenberg

He then climbed up hurriedly, till his head and shoulders were through the lubber's hole.

From Project Gutenberg

The reader doubtless knows that the lubber’s hole is an open space between the head of the lower mast and the edge of the top; it is so named from the supposition that a “land-lubber” would prefer that route.

From Project Gutenberg

As soon as he is “made a sailor” by these means, he was ordered to the mast-head, and tells with glee how he was able to go up outside by the futtock shrouds, and not through “lubber’s hole.”

From Project Gutenberg

"Just now he climbed up the rigging, inserted his person through the lubber's hole, and seated himself in the foretop."

From Project Gutenberg