bitts

The sailor secures the thick rope to the bitts on the deck.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Nautical term: "bitts" are a pair of strong, vertical posts mounted on the deck of a ship or boat, used for securing mooring lines or cables.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sailors wrapped the heavy rope around the bitts to secure the ship to the dock. (The vertical posts used for tying up the vessel.)
  • During the storm, the crew checked that the cables were firmly fastened to the bitts. (The posts that hold mooring lines in place.)

Advanced Usage

• "to bitt" (verb): To wind a cable around the bitts for securing.
  • The deckhand bitted the anchor chain to prevent it from slipping. (The sailor wound the chain around the bitts.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bitt (noun, singular): One of the two posts that make up a pair of bitts.
  • The port-side bitt was damaged in the collision. (One individual post of the pair.)

Synonyms

• Mooring post: a general term for any post used to secure ropes on a ship or dock.
• Cleat: a fitting with two horns used for securing lines, though smaller and differently shaped than bitts.

Related Idioms

• "to bitt the cable": To secure a ship's anchor cable by wrapping it around the bitts.
  • The captain ordered the crew to bitt the cable as they prepared to anchor. (To fasten the cable to the bitts.)