kevel

A sailor secures the ship's rope to a wooden kevel on the deck.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Nautical term: A "kevel" is a strong, wooden or metal fitting on a ship's deck or bulwark, used for belaying or securing ropes and lines. It typically has two horns or arms around which a rope can be wound to hold it fast.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sailor wrapped the mooring line around the kevel to secure the boat to the dock. (The rope was fastened to the fitting on the ship's side.)
  • During the storm, the crew checked each kevel to ensure all lines were properly tied. (The fittings were inspected for security.)

Advanced Usage

• "to belay to a kevel": to fasten a rope around the kevel in a specific manner to prevent slipping.
  • The mate instructed the deckhand to belay the halyard to the kevel with two turns. (The rope was wound around the fitting twice for extra security.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kevel-head (n): the projecting horn or arm of a kevel.
  • He hooked the rope over the kevel-head before tying it off. (He used the projecting part of the fitting.)

Synonyms

• Belaying pin: a removable pin used for securing ropes on a ship.
• Cleat: a fitting with two horns, similar to a kevel, used for securing lines on boats and docks.
• Bitt: a vertical post on a ship's deck used for mooring lines.

Related Idioms

• No common idioms are associated with the word "kevel" due to its specialized nautical usage.