martingale

/'mɑ:tingeil/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
martingale

A sailor secures the martingale on the sailboat's bowsprit.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A strap or set of straps on a horse's harness: A martingale is a piece of equipment that connects the noseband or reins to the girth or between the front legs. Its primary function is to prevent a horse from raising its head too high or throwing its head back.
    • A spar on a sailing vessel: In nautical contexts, a martingale is a short, fixed spar or strut extending downward from the bowsprit. It helps to support and control the tension on the jib-boom or other rigging.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (Equestrian):

    • The rider adjusted the martingale to ensure better control of the horse's head carriage.
    • A running martingale gives the rider more leverage without being overly restrictive.

  • Noun (Nautical):

    • The sailor secured the lines to the martingale to stabilize the jib-boom.
    • Inspect the martingale for any signs of wear or corrosion from the saltwater.
Advanced Usage

  • "To use a martingale": To employ this piece of equipment for control.

    • The trainer decided to use a martingale on the young horse during its initial training sessions.

  • "Martingale system": While not a direct use of the word itself, the term is famously borrowed in probability theory and gambling for a betting strategy where stakes are doubled after a loss. This is a distinct, advanced metaphorical usage.

    • The gambler employed a martingale system at the roulette table, which is a risky strategy.
Variants and Related Words
  • Running martingale (n): A type of martingale where the reins pass through rings on a strap attached to the girth, allowing more movement than a fixed type.
  • Standing martingale (n): A fixed strap that runs from the girth to the noseband, more restrictive in limiting head movement.
  • Martingale backstay (n): A nautical term for a stay that supports a spar, similar in function to the bowsprit martingale.
Synonyms
  • Tack (in the general sense of horse equipment): Gear or equipment used in riding.
  • Checkrein: A rein designed to check or limit the upward movement of a horse's head.
  • Dolphin striker (nautical): Another term for the martingale spar under a bowsprit.
Related Phrases
  • "To be on a martingale": A descriptive phrase meaning a horse is equipped with this device.
    • The show jumper was on a martingale for the warm-up round.
Related Idioms
  • "To have a martingale on one's tongue": This is an obscure, archaic idiom implying restraint on speech, drawing a direct analogy from the horse equipment. It is rarely used in modern English.
    • The diplomat seemed to have a martingale on his tongue, speaking only in carefully measured phrases.
martingale

A sailor secures the martingale on the sailboat's bowsprit.

Noun
  1. spar under the bowsprit of a sailboat
  2. a harness strap that connects the nose piece to the girth; prevents the horse from throwing back its head

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