Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sailing vessel with a specified rig: A ship or boat that has a particular arrangement of masts and sails.
   • Someone who works on an oil rig: A person whose job is on an offshore platform used for drilling oil or gas wells.
   • A long slender pointed sable brush used by artists: A specific type of fine, pointed brush traditionally made from sable hair, used for detailed painting.
   • Someone who rigs ships: A person who fits out or prepares a ship with its necessary equipment, such as sails, ropes, and rigging.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The old square rigger was a beautiful sight on the horizon. (Referring to a type of sailing ship.)
  • He worked as a rigger on an oil platform in the North Sea. (Referring to an oil rig worker.)
  • For the finest details, the artist preferred using a rigger brush. (Referring to an artist's brush.)
  • The shipyard employed a skilled rigger to prepare the new vessel. (Referring to a ship fitter.)

Advanced Usage

• "To work as a rigger": To have a job that involves the assembly, maintenance, or operation of rigging, especially in construction, sailing, or on oil platforms.
  • After leaving the navy, he found work as a rigger in the film industry, handling stage equipment.

Variants and Related Words

• Rig (noun/verb): The arrangement of masts, sails, etc., on a ship; or the act of setting up equipment fraudulently.
• Rigging (noun): The system of ropes, chains, and gear used to support and control the masts, sails, etc., of a sailing vessel; or similar supporting structures.

Synonyms

• Sailing ship: For the vessel meaning (e.g., clipper, schooner).
• Roughneck: Informally, for someone who works on an oil rig.
• Detail brush: For the artist's brush.
• Shipwright: For someone who builds or repairs ships (partially overlaps with the ship-fitting meaning).

Related Phrasal Verbs / Compound Terms

• To rig out: To fit or equip something, especially a ship.
  • The crew worked hard to rig out the ship for its long voyage.
• To rig up: To set up a structure or device, often in a makeshift way.
  • We managed to rig up a shelter using a tarpaulin and some poles.

Related Idioms

• "To rig the market": To manipulate or control a market, especially the stock market, fraudulently.
  • The financiers were accused of conspiring to rig the market.
• "A jury-rigged solution": A makeshift or temporary repair made with available materials. (Note: This idiom uses "jury-rigged," which is etymologically distinct but often associated in meaning).
  • The broken handle was fixed with a jury-rigged arrangement of tape and wire.

Noun

1. a sailing vessel with a specified rig
   • a square rigger
2. someone who works on an oil rig
3. a long slender pointed sable brush used by artists
4. someone who rigs ships