belaying pin

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. a short, round bar of metal or wood, inserted in a fife rail or pin rail, to which a rope is belayed.

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belaying pin British  

noun

1. nautical a cylindrical, sometimes tapered pin, usually of metal or wood, that fits into a hole in a pin or fife rail: used for belaying

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Etymology

Origin of belaying pin

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

belaying pin

Though they looked healthy enough to chew a belaying pin, the question was whether they would later die of radiation disease.

From Time Magazine Archive

Skipper Mike Frenette put an end to the snapper's antics with a hit from the aluminum belaying pin that would have done Barry Bonds proud.

From Time Magazine Archive

In a moment he had clambered overboard, letting himself down by means of a line secured to a belaying pin at the mainmast.

From Boy Scouts in the North Sea The Mystery of a Sub by Ralphson, G. Harvey (George Harvey)

“We must give it up,” observed Captain Wilson, holding on by the belaying pin.

From Mr. Midshipman Easy by Marryat, Frederick

"Yes, sir," answered Larry, and ran off to get a pair of handcuffs while Tom Grandon stationed himself beside Ostag Semmel, belaying pin in hand.

From At the Fall of Port Arthur Or, A Young American in the Japanese Navy by Stratemeyer, Edward