bowline

American  

[boh-lin, -lahyn] / ˈboʊ lɪn, -ˌlaɪn /

noun

1. Also called bowline knot.  a knot used to make a nonslipping loop on the end of a rope.

2. Nautical. a rope made fast to the weather leech of a square sail, for keeping the sail as flat as possible when close-hauled.

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idioms

1. on a bowline, sailing close-hauled.

2. on an easy bowline, close-hauled with sails well filled.

bowline British  

/ ˈbəʊlɪn /

noun

1. a line for controlling the weather leech of a square sail when a vessel is close-hauled

2. beating close to the wind

3. a knot used for securing a loop that will not slip at the end of a piece of rope

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Etymology

Origin of bowline

1275–1325; Middle English bouline, equivalent to bou- (perhaps boue bow ² ) + line line ¹

Example Sentences

They declared it was a proper berth for Mr. Bowditch—him with his tables of figures, long as main to bowline.

From Literature

Demonstrating her knowledge, and the skill she picked up as an 8-year-old, she looped a piece of microphone cable into a bowline knot.

From Washington Times

“That’s what we do — we fish,” he said, looping the bowline through his Bayliner’s starboard cleat as he was about to launch last Thursday, the first time in weeks.

From Washington Post

Though I spent the first half of my life sailing, I acquired none of the skills – I couldn’t even manage a bowline knot.

From The Guardian

At night we pushed the boat 10 feet offshore, tossed an anchor off the stern and tied the bowline to a tree.

From New York Times