downhaul

[doun-hawl]

noun

Nautical.

1. any of various lines for pulling down a sail or a yard, as for securing in a lowered position when not in use.

downhaul

/ ˈdaʊnˌhɔːl /

noun

1. nautical a line for hauling down a sail or for increasing the tension at its luff

Word History and Origins

Origin of downhaul¹

First recorded in 1660–70; down ¹ + haul

Example Sentences

Downhaul makes feeling lost and lonely on this Earth seem like a journey worth taking.

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Downhaul’s latest album “Proof” can shift from country twang to triumphant rock in the same song, driven by its patient guitars and lurching drums.

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The British team had a major problem in the leadup to Saturday’s race with the cunningham - the hydraulic downhaul system which controls the shape of the sail and rake of the mast.

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The British team had a major problem in the leadup to Saturday’s race with the cunningham — the hydraulic downhaul system which controls the shape of the sail and rake of the mast.

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This did not matter, because he knew they must secure the sail before the tornado broke, and he pulled at the downhaul.

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