half hitch

noun

1. a knot or hitch made by forming a bight and passing the end of the rope around the standing part and through the bight.

half-hitch

noun

1. a knot made by passing the end of a piece of rope around itself and through the loop thus made

Word History and Origins

Origin of half hitch¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

To shorten a guy rope on tent or marquee, gather the rope in the form of two long loops and pass a half-hitch over each loop.

From Project Gutenberg

Hiram noted that the Cap'n's trembling hands were taking a half-hitch with a rope's end about a tiller-spoke.

From Project Gutenberg

I knew the words half-hitch had something to do with a lasso, and I was rather taken back by the hotel proprietor's remark.

From Project Gutenberg

Britt, turning, yelled to the officer at the top of the slope, “Give that snub-line a half-hitch and hold that load!”

From Project Gutenberg

Wind ribbing spirally around the body and tie off with two turns and a half hitch of tying silk as Fig. 9.

From Project Gutenberg