fairlead

American

[fair-leed] / ˈfɛərˌlid /

Also fairleader

noun

a pulley, thimble, etc., used to guide a rope forming part of the rigging of a ship, crane, etc., in such a way as to prevent chafing.
Machinery. (on power shovels or cranes) a swiveling mounting for sheaves, over which cables pass.

fairlead British

/ ˈfɛəˌliːd /

noun

Also called: leader. nautical a block or ring through which a line is rove to keep it clear of obstructions, prevent chafing, or maintain it at an angle

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of fairlead

First recorded in 1855–60; fair ¹ + lead ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He regretted that he had not doubled the rope, but now nothing could be done beyond putting a temporary "parcelling" round it where it passed through the bow fairlead.

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023