pin rail

noun

1. Theater. a rail on a fly gallery, wall, etc., holding two rows of pins or cleats for securing lines attached to scenery.
2. Nautical. a strong rail at the side of the deck of a vessel, for holding the pins to which some of the running rigging is belayed.

pin rail

noun

1. See fife rail
   nautical a strong wooden rail or bar containing holes for belaying pins to which lines are fastened on sailing vessels Compare fife rail

Word History and Origins

Origin of pin rail¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

And yet, there, in the shade on the pin-rail, that unbelievable and monstrous heart beat on.

From Project Gutenberg

I stepped over to the pin-rail and pulled out a wooden belaying-pin.

From Project Gutenberg

Margaret did not disdain the aid of my hand as she climbed upon the pin-rail at the foot of the weather jigger-rigging.

From Project Gutenberg

"Tie it off" is the way they direct that the lines be made fast to the pin-rail.

From Project Gutenberg