downhaul

American  

[doun-hawl] / ˈdaʊnˌhɔl /

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.

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downhaul British  

/ ˈdaʊnˌhɔːl /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of downhaul

First recorded in 1660–70; down ¹ + haul

Example Sentences

If it breezed up, and the jibtopsail was to be taken in, they never minded a wetting, and they would be out at the bowsprit end before there was a hand at the downhaul.

From Man Overboard! by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)

I coiled down the mizzen-topsail downhaul myself, and was going aft to see how she headed up, when I stopped to look at a light, and leaned against the deck-house.

From Man Overboard! by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)

The hands "walked away" with the downhaul, and the jib was on the bowsprit in an instant.

From Dikes and Ditches Young America in Holland and Belguim by Optic, Oliver

Joe found the jib-halyard and cast it off the pin, and, as the canvas fluttered down, came in hand over hand on the downhaul.

From The Cruise of the Dazzler by London, Jack

I remember one day in a reefing job, the downhaul parted and came down on deck from the peak of the spanker.

From Man Overboard! by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)