Definition

Noun: A mechanical device, or a set of such devices, used to secure a vessel (such as a ship or boat) in place by connecting it to the bed of a body of water, thereby preventing it from moving freely due to wind or current.

Usage

"Ground tackle" refers collectively to the equipment used for anchoring. This typically includes the anchor itself, the chain (rode), and associated connecting elements. It is a standard nautical term.

Examples

• The captain ordered the crew to drop the ground tackle as they reached the sheltered bay.
• Before the storm hit, we checked all our ground tackle to ensure the boat was securely anchored.
• Modern ground tackle is designed to hold vessels securely even in challenging conditions.

Advanced Usage

• "To weigh ground tackle": This is a traditional phrase meaning to haul up the anchor in preparation for departure.
  • After a night in the cove, the sailors began to weigh the ground tackle at dawn.

Variants and Related Words

• Anchor (n): The primary hooking device that is part of the ground tackle.
  • They lowered the anchor to the seabed.
• Rode (n): The line (chain or rope) connecting the anchor to the vessel.
  • The nylon rode stretched but held firm in the strong wind.

Synonyms

• Anchoring gear: Equipment used for anchoring.
• Mooring tackle: Equipment used to moor (secure) a vessel, which can be similar but often involves attachment to a fixed point like a pier or buoy, not just the seabed.

Related Phrases

• "To come to ground tackle": An older expression meaning to anchor or to come to a stop by using anchors.
  • The frigate came to ground tackle just outside the harbor.

Notes

The term is always used in the singular form ("ground tackle") even though it encompasses multiple pieces of equipment. It is a technical term most commonly used by sailors, mariners, and in nautical contexts.

Noun

1. a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving