figure of eight

noun

1. figure eight.

2. a knot resembling the figure 8.

figure of eight

noun

1. an outline of the number 8 traced on ice by a skater

2. a flight manoeuvre by an aircraft outlining a figure 8

3. 1. a knot in the shape of a figure 8 made to prevent the unreeving of a rope

   2. a climber's knot in the shape of a figure 8 made with a doubled rope to provide a secure loop

   3. an angler's knot sometimes used to attach a fly to a leader or dropper

Word History and Origins

Origin of figure of eight¹

First recorded in 1595–1605