futtock

American  

[fuht-uhk] / ˈfʌt ək /

noun

Nautical.

1. any of a number of timbers forming the lower, more curved portion of the frame in a wooden hull.

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futtock British  

/ ˈfʌtək /

noun

1. nautical one of the ribs in the frame of a wooden vessel

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Etymology

Origin of futtock

First recorded in 1605–15; perhaps alteration of foothook

Example Sentences

He reached the futtock rigging, and stopped to expectorate.

From The Ghost Pirates by Hodgson, William Hope

“You must climb out by the futtock shrouds, as every proper sailor does.”

From Young Tom Bowling The Boys of the British Navy by Greene, John B.

Smokeless powder was unknown in those days, and, as the vapor enfolded the ships, Farragut kept stepping up the rigging almost unconsciously until he was so high that he was clinging to the futtock shrouds.

From Dewey and Other Naval Commanders by Ellis, Edward Sylvester

Higher, I saw the Second Mate in the futtock rigging, holding his light up over the edge of the top.

From The Ghost Pirates by Hodgson, William Hope

He untied the fastenings, and, climbing to the futtock shrouds, passed the rope once more around his body several times and tied the end to the rigging.

From Dewey and Other Naval Commanders by Ellis, Edward Sylvester