rolling hitch

American  

noun

1. a hitch on a spar or the like, composed of two round turns and a half hitch so disposed as to jam when a stress is applied parallel to the object on which the hitch is made.

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rolling hitch British  

noun

1. a knot used for fastening one rope to another or to a spar, being easily released but jamming when the rope is pulled

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Etymology

Origin of rolling hitch

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Calling to Maud to cease lowering, I went on deck and made the watch-tackle fast to the mast with a rolling hitch. 

From Project Gutenberg