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

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

From The Ice Pilot by Henry Leverage

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

From Mr. Midshipman Easy by Frederick Marryat

Somebody—maybe it was Marr—bounced a belaying pin over his figurehead.

From The Ice Pilot by Henry Leverage