dead-ball line

[ ded-bawl ]

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dead-ball line¹

First recorded in 1890–95