vang

American

[vang] / væŋ /

noun

Nautical.

a rope extending from the peak of a gaff to the ship's rail or to a mast, used to steady the gaff.

vang British

/ væŋ /

noun

a rope or tackle extended from the boom of a fore-and-aft mainsail to a deck fitting of a vessel when running, in order to keep the boom from riding up
a guy extending from the end of a gaff to the vessel's rail on each side, used for steadying the gaff

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of vang

1760–70; < Dutch: device for securing something; compare vanglijn bow rope, equivalent to vang + lijn line

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is an anger so powerful: "Ek kan slange vang" - I can wrestle snakes with my bare hands.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2022

I was so angry "Ek kon slange vang" - meaning, I could wrestle snakes with my bare hands.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2022

Anyone who knows the difference between windward and leeward but not between a boom vang and an outhaul feels apprehensive.

From Time Magazine Archive

Coiling down gear, I discovered that the running part of the spanker vang was off the pin, and trailing over the side.

From The Blood Ship by Springer, Norman

I have vorty pound more for Lucy; here, vang it: Zouth, chil devie London else.

From The London Prodigal; "by William Shakespeare." as it was played by the King's Majesties servants. by Unknown

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023