dead-ball line

American  

[ded-bawl] / ˈdɛdˌbɔl /

noun

Rugby.

1. the line at each end of the field parallel to and not over 25 yards (23 meters) behind the goal line.

---

dead-ball line British  

noun

1. rugby a line not more than 22 metres behind the goal line at each end of the field beyond which the ball is out of play

---

Etymology

Origin of dead-ball line

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dead-ball line

The ball went from Wales' 10-metre line and over the French dead-ball line - allowing the home team to set up the bridgehead which eventually led to their winning score.

From BBC ● Mar. 18, 2017

Imhoff was the quickest of three Argentine chasers and managed to collect and ground before the dead-ball line for his fourth try in this tournament.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 18, 2015

Dobson ran at the Huddersfield defence and Welham got his fingertips to the ball inches from the dead-ball line after two defenders, Tommy Lee and Cudjoe, both failed to deal with Dobson's grubber kick.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 11, 2012

Their day was summed up when Lesley Vainikolo tried to keep a Lamb punt in play, only to flick it past a sprawling Charlie Sharples and over the dead-ball line for an Irish five-metre scrum.

From The Guardian ● Sep. 19, 2010

His clearance kick went too long and over the dead-ball line which gave the visitors another chance to attack.

From BBC ● May 1, 2010