clove hitch

American  

noun

1. a knot or hitch for fastening a rope to a spar or larger rope, consisting of two half hitches made in opposite directions, the two parts of the rope emerging also in opposite directions.

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clove hitch British  

noun

1. a knot or hitch used for securing a rope to a spar, post, or larger rope

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Etymology

Origin of clove hitch

First recorded in 1760–70; clove ³

Example Sentences

Step 3: Holding your 10-inch bundle, create a clove hitch knot to secure twine before winding the handle.

From Salon • Jul. 28, 2022

Sam knocked off a square knot and a clove hitch.

From Washington Post • Sep. 6, 2017

The clove hitch is a veteran of the waterfront, generally found suspending boat fenders from rails.

From Time Magazine Archive

Politically-minded Maltese talked of revolution and self-government, but a better idea came up: Why not put a clove hitch in the British umbilical?

From Time Magazine Archive

Now I can make every knot he knows, even the clove hitch, which I did backward for a few months before I got it right.

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead