Definition

Noun: 1. A ribbon used as a decoration: A long, narrow strip of fabric, typically used for ornamental purposes, such as tying or trimming. 2. (Shipbuilding) A long, flexible strip of wood temporarily fastened to the frames of a ship to hold them in correct position while the external planking or plating is being installed.

Usage

• The primary meaning of "ribband" as a decorative ribbon is now largely archaic or specialized. In modern English, "ribbon" is the standard and far more common term for this.
• The shipbuilding meaning is a technical term specific to that craft.

Examples

• Noun (Decoration):
  • Her hat was adorned with a simple silk ribband.
  • The medieval manuscript was tied with a faded velvet ribband.
• Noun (Shipbuilding):
  • The shipwrights secured the frames with a strong oak ribband before attaching the hull planks.
  • The alignment of the ship's skeleton was checked against the ribband.

Advanced Usage

• The term is rarely used in everyday contemporary language. When encountered, context is essential to determine whether it refers to a decorative item or a shipbuilding component.

Variants and Related Words

• Ribbon (n.): The modern, standard word for a narrow strip of fabric used for tying or decoration.
• Ribband-line (n.): In shipbuilding, a line marked on the ribband to indicate the position of a deck or other feature.

Synonyms

• For the decorative meaning: ribbon, band, strip, sash, tape.
• For the shipbuilding meaning: batten, strake, temporary strake.

Notes on Different Meanings

The two meanings of "ribband" are distinct and belong to different fields: 1. Fashion/Decoration: Refers to a soft, pliable fabric item. 2. Shipbuilding/Technical: Refers to a rigid, structural wooden component used in construction. This is the meaning most likely to be encountered in technical or historical texts about boat building.

Noun

1. a ribbon used as a decoration