earing

[ eer-ing ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a rope attached to a cringle and used for bending a corner of a sail to a yard, boom, or gaff or for reefing a sail.

earing

/ ˈɪərɪŋ /

noun

1. nautical a line fastened to a corner of a sail for reefing

Word History and Origins

Origin of earing¹

First recorded in 1620–30; ear ¹ + -ing ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of earing¹

C17: from ear ¹+ -ing ¹or perhaps ring ¹

Example Sentences

The post of honour among seamen in reefing sails is the weather earing.

From Project Gutenberg

The serang himself lay out on the weather yard-arm, and I saw him, earing in hand, working away actively with the rest.

From Project Gutenberg

Whatever I may find necessary to order, Mr Earing, this ship's company will find it necessary to execute.

From Project Gutenberg

Earing faced his Commander in silence, perfectly conscious that nothing he could utter contained an argument like this.

From Project Gutenberg

It would have exceeded the peaceful and submissive temperament of the honest Earing, to have delayed any longer.

From Project Gutenberg