chalk line

noun Building Trades.

a chalked string for making a straight line on a large surface, as a wall, by holding the string taut against the surface and snapping it to transfer the chalk.
the line so made.

Origin of chalk line

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for chalk line

Historical Examples of chalk line

Threatening to disown the minister should he fail to toe your chalk-line!
Captain Pott's Minister
Francis L. Cooper
Lancelot ruefully recognised the truth of the chalk-line story.
The Unbearable Bassington
Saki
To the stiff pole and chalk-line fishermen of confirmed habits I have nothing to say.
Game Birds and Game Fishes of the Pacific Coast
Harry Thom Payne
There were not even employees to see and blackmail them if they failed to walk the chalk-line.
Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great, Volume 11 (of 14)
Elbert Hubbard
The chalk-line is a chalked cord drawn taut between the two points to be connected.
Woodworking for Beginners
Charles Gardner Wheeler