sheepshank

[ sheep-shangk ]

noun

1. a kind of knot, hitch, or bend made on a rope to shorten it temporarily.

sheepshank

/ ˈʃiːpˌʃæŋk /

noun

1. a knot consisting of two hitches at the ends of a bight made in a rope to shorten it temporarily

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheepshank¹

First recorded in 1635–45; short for sheepshank knot; literal sense unclear

Example Sentences

The chief steward was a friend, the bos'n or quartermaster had shown us the trick of a sheepshank or a reef-knot or a short splice.

From Project Gutenberg

Tie four out of the following knots: square or reef, sheet-bend, bowline, fisherman's, sheepshank, halter, clove hitch, timber hitch, or two half hitches.

From Project Gutenberg

The sheepshank knot serves to shorten a rope without cutting it, and may be presently loosened.

From Project Gutenberg