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

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

From Project Gutenberg

The reader doubtless knows that the lubber’s hole is an open space between the head of the lower mast and the edge of the top; it is so named from the supposition that a “land-lubber” would prefer that route.

From Project Gutenberg

As soon as he is “made a sailor” by these means, he was ordered to the mast-head, and tells with glee how he was able to go up outside by the futtock shrouds, and not through “lubber’s hole.”

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Cushner climbed up through the lubber's hole on the third day of the outbound passage, lifted himself over the edge of the crow's-nest, and dropped down beside Stirling.

From Project Gutenberg