sennit

American  

[sen-it] / ˈsɛn ɪt /

Also sinnet or sennet

noun

1. a flat, braided cordage, formed by plaiting strands of rope yarn or other fiber, used as small stuff aboard ships.

2. braided straw or grass used in making hats.

---

sennit British  

/ ˈsɛnɪt /

noun

1. a flat braided cordage used on ships

2. plaited straw, grass, palm leaves, etc, as for making hats

---

Etymology

Origin of sennit

First recorded in 1760–70; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

On the right of the chest was the sailor, his body stretched transversely along its end, with his left arm buried to the elbow in the sennit loop forming its handle.

From The Ocean Waifs A Story of Adventure on Land and Sea by Reid, Mayne

We had also made a quantity of string, or what sailors call sennit, which, twisted together, would serve as cordage for the vessel.

From The Wanderers Adventures in the Wilds of Trinidad and Orinoco by Perat

His sole decoration was a white China soup-plate, perforated and strung on coconut sennit, suspended from about his neck so that it rested flat on his chest and half-concealed the generous swell of muscles. 

From Jerry of the Islands by London, Jack

To supply the place of sennit, we manufactured a quantity of cord from twisted hibiscus bark, which answered the purpose very well.

From The Island Home by Dalziel

Quick, Will’m, shy me that piece o’ sennit: we must secure him ’fore he gives clean up and goes to the bottom.

From The Ocean Waifs A Story of Adventure on Land and Sea by Reid, Mayne