fairlead

[ fair-leed ]

noun
  1. a pulley, thimble, etc., used to guide a rope forming part of the rigging of a ship, crane, etc., in such a way as to prevent chafing.

  2. Machinery. (on power shovels or cranes) a swiveling mounting for sheaves, over which cables pass.

Origin of fairlead

1
First recorded in 1855–60; fair1 + lead1
  • Also fair·lead·er [fair-lee-der] /ˈfɛərˌli dər/ .

Words Nearby fairlead

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use fairlead in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for fairlead

fairlead

fairleader

/ (ˈfɛəˌliːd) /


noun
  1. nautical a block or ring through which a line is rove to keep it clear of obstructions, prevent chafing, or maintain it at an angle: Also called: leader

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012