belaying pin

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.

belaying pin

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of belaying pin¹

First recorded in 1830–40