chesstree

[ ches-tree ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. (in the 17th and 18th centuries) a wooden fastening with one or more sheaves, attached to the topside of a sailing vessel, through which the windward tack of a course was rove.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chesstree¹

1620–30; perhaps by folk etymology < French châssis frame; chassis

Example Sentences

Sea after sea struck her on the chesstree or the beam, pouring over her decks and adding to the accumulation of water in her hold.

From Project Gutenberg