Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Nautical): A short piece of rope, cord, or similar material, with an eye (a loop) spliced or formed at one end and a knot at the other. It is used on a ship to secure or hold loose items in place, such as oars, tools, or tackle.
   • (Historical/Religious Figure): Thomas Becket, also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury. He was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 to 1170 and was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral. His death followed a conflict with King Henry II over the rights and privileges of the Church.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Nautical):
  • The sailor secured the loose bucket with a becket.
  • Make sure the beckets are properly tied to hold the oars.
• Noun (Historical Figure):
  • Becket's martyrdom made Canterbury a major pilgrimage site.
  • The conflict between Henry II and Becket is a famous chapter in English history.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in becket": This is not a standard idiom. The term is used in its literal, specialized sense within maritime contexts.
• The term is often used attributively in compound nouns (see Variants section below), but the core word "becket" itself refers to the specific securing device.

Variants and Related Words

• Becket bend: Another name for the sheet bend, a type of knot used to join two ropes.
• Becket block: A pulley block with one or more beckets attached to it for securing lines.
• Becketed: (Adjective) Describing something fitted with or secured by a becket.

Synonyms

• Noun (Nautical): Lanyard, tie, securing line, strop.
• Noun (Historical Figure): Saint Thomas Becket, Thomas à Becket.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Not applicable. "Becket" is a noun and does not form standard phrasal verbs.

Related Idioms

• Not applicable. There are no common idioms based on the word "becket" itself.

Noun

1. (nautical) a short line with an eye at one end and a knot at the other; used to secure loose items on a ship
2. (Roman Catholic Church) archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 to 1170; murdered following his opposition to Henry II's attempts to control the clergy (1118-1170)