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

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

Stirling reached and clutched the belaying pin, wrenching it from Marr's hand with a half effort.

From The Ice Pilot by Leverage, Henry

He had seen coiled on a belaying pin on the bridge a long lead line, and on the deck still unwashed away an old cork fender.

From Heroes of the Goodwin Sands by Treanor, Thomas Stanley

In comes the brace till the trim suits the mate, when he calls out 'Turn the crossjack brace!' which means making it fast on a belaying pin.

From All Afloat A Chronicle of Craft and Waterways by Wood, William Charles Henry