lubber's hole

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. (in a top on a mast) an open space through which a sailor may pass instead of climbing out on the futtock shrouds.

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lubber's hole British  

noun

1. nautical a hole in a top or platform on a mast through which a sailor can climb

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Etymology

Origin of lubber's hole

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lubber's hole

"What did you heave Old Cuff out of the top for?" said the first one of the larboard watch, whose head came through the "lubber's hole."

From An Old Sailor's Yarns by Ames, N. (Nathaniel)

He then climbed up hurriedly, till his head and shoulders were through the lubber's hole.

From A Lad of Grit A Story of Adventure on Land and Sea in Restoration Times by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

He reached the Jacob's ladder and went out instead of going through the lubber's hole.

From The Ice Pilot by Leverage, Henry

For my part, I had become quite a sailor, and could ascend and descend easily to the truck without creeping through the lubber’s hole.

From Hudson Bay by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

"Just now he climbed up the rigging, inserted his person through the lubber's hole, and seated himself in the foretop."

From The Funny Philosophers Wags and Sweethearts by Yellott, George