parbuckle

[ pahr-buhk-uhl ]

noun

1. a kind of tackle for raising or lowering a cask or similar object along an inclined plane or a vertical surface, consisting of a rope looped over a post or the like, with its two ends passing around the object to be moved.
2. a kind of double sling made with a rope, as around a cask to be raised or lowered.

verb (used with object)

, par·buck·led, par·buck·ling.

1. to raise, lower, or move with a parbuckle.

parbuckle

/ ˈpɑːˌbʌkəl /

noun

1. a rope sling for lifting or lowering a heavy cylindrical object, such as a cask or tree trunk

verb

1. tr to raise or lower (an object) with such a sling

Word History and Origins

Origin of parbuckle¹

First recorded in 1620–30; earlier parbunkel, of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of parbuckle¹

C17 parbunkel: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Techniques used to “parbuckle” or pull the giant ship upright last September have set the standard in maritime salvage.

From The Daily Beast

A light yarding or a land clearing donkey furnishes the power to parbuckle the logs into the water.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Parbuckle, he ordered me to pacify 'em, an' I was a-doin' the best I could.

From Project Gutenberg

“We must pass straps round this, and parbuckle him up,” he observed.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a hearty assent, as Syd said to himself, “What does he mean by ‘parbuckle’?”

From Project Gutenberg