haulyard
Definition
Noun: - A "haulyard" (also spelled "halyard") is a rope or tackle used for raising and lowering sails, flags, or yards on a ship. It is a nautical term specific to sailing vessels.
Usage Examples
- (The rope used to lift the sail.)
- (The line used to raise a flag.)
Advanced Usage
- "to haul on the haulyard": to pull or tighten the rope for adjusting sails.
- The crew hauled on the haulyard to trim the sail for better wind. (They pulled the rope to adjust the sail's position.)
Variants and Related Words
Halyard (n): an alternative spelling of "haulyard", more common in modern nautical usage.
- The halyard snapped under the strain of the strong wind. (The rope broke due to tension.)
Haulyard tackle (n): a system of pulleys and ropes used for heavy lifting on a ship.
- The haulyard tackle made it easier to raise the heavy yardarm. (The pulley system reduced the effort needed.)
Synonyms
- Lift line: a general term for a rope used to lift objects.
- Hoisting rope: a rope used specifically for raising items.
Related Idioms
- "to be on the haulyard": (nautical slang) to be in a position of pulling or working with the rigging.
- He was on the haulyard, ready to raise the sail at the captain's command. (He was assigned to handle the lifting rope.)