Irish pennant
Americannoun
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an unwhipped rope end.
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any strand or rope end left hanging untidily.
Sensitive Note
Though no longer used as a deliberate slur, this term is sometimes perceived as insulting to or by the Irish. It originated in the Royal Navy in the 1800s, during the time of sailing ships.
Etymology
Origin of Irish pennant
First recorded in 1880–85
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
