cringle
/'kriɳgl/
Definition
Noun: A cringle is a small, reinforced metal ring or grommet set into the edge of a sail, piece of canvas, or tarpaulin. Its primary function is to line a hole, providing a durable and smooth point for attaching ropes, lines, or hooks.
Usage
A cringle is a specialized maritime fastener. It is used to prevent wear and tear on a hole in fabric (like a sail) where a line is repeatedly passed through or attached. You attach a line directly to the cringle or pass it through the ring.
Examples
- Noun:
- The sailor threaded the reefing line through the cringle at the corner of the sail.
- A broken cringle can make it difficult to secure the sail properly.
Advanced Usage
- "Reef cringle": A specific cringle used when reducing the area of a sail (reefing) in strong winds. The reefing line is passed through it to secure the unused portion of the sail.
- Pull the line tight through the reef cringle to flatten the sail.
Variants and Related Words
- Grommet (noun): A more general term for a ring or eyelet inserted into a hole in cloth, leather, or other material to reinforce it. In many contexts, especially outside of strict sailing terminology, "grommet" and "cringle" are used interchangeably, though "cringle" is more specific to sails.
- Eyelet (noun): A small hole for lacing or threading, often reinforced with a metal ring. It is similar but typically smaller and used in different contexts (e.g., shoes, clothing).
Synonyms
- Ring (in this specific nautical context)
- Eye (a general nautical term for a loop or hole to receive a line, often made of rope; a cringle is a type of eye with a metal ring)
- Loop (a more general term for a shape that curves back on itself)
Related Phrases
- To fit a cringle: The act of installing a cringle into a piece of material.
- We need to fit a new cringle before we can hoist the sail.
Noun
-
fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
