fid

¹

[ fid ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a stout bar of wood or metal placed across a lower spar so as to support a higher one.
2. a stout bar used to hold a running bowsprit in its extended position.
3. a wooden or metal pin for parting strands of a rope.
4. a bar or pin used as a key or toggle.

-fid

²

1. a combining form meaning “divided,” “lobed,” occurring in adjectives borrowed from Latin ( bifid ); on this model, used in the formation of compound words ( pinnatifid ).

fid.

³

abbreviation for

1. fiduciary.

fid

¹

/ fɪd /

noun

1. a spike for separating strands of rope in splicing
2. a wooden or metal bar for supporting the heel of a topmast

-fid

²

combining form

1. divided into parts or lobes

   bifid

   pinnatifid

Word History and Origins

Origin of fid¹

First recorded in 1605–15; origin uncertain

Origin of fid²

< Latin -fidus divided, equivalent to -fid- (variant stem of findere to split) + -us adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of fid¹

C17: of unknown origin

Origin of fid²

from Latin -fidus , from findere to split

Example Sentences

He accordingly shut the great doors, and put the fid into the staple.

From Project Gutenberg

The doors cannot be opened again until the fid is taken out.

From Project Gutenberg

He whispered his ideas also to Harry and Tim Fid, who agreed to keep a watchful eye on the prisoners.

From Project Gutenberg

Fid immediately handed a brace of pistols and a dirk to True Blue, and together they rushed aft.

From Project Gutenberg

To prevent his companions from seizing his weapons, Fid drew them from his pocket and bolted off with them round the deck.

From Project Gutenberg