running rigging

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. rigging for handling sails, yards, etc. (contrasted with standing rigging).

2. rigging for handling cargo.

---

running rigging British  

noun

1. nautical the wires and ropes used to control the operations of a sailing vessel Compare standing rigging

---

Etymology

Origin of running rigging

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Standing rod rigging is paired with running rigging of Gleistein Dyneema and Vectran ropes.

From Time Magazine Archive

Then the squall struck whining from the west, with gale force, breaking both forestays, and the mast came toppling aft along the ship’s length, so the running rigging showered into the bilge.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

The running rigging of the harness has to be polished and kept in good condition, and the crew are rarely idle if the captain knows his business.

From Wild Life in a Southern County by Jefferies, Richard

Men employed on board ships to fit the standing and running rigging, or to dismantle them.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

It was discovered, at length, that our vessel needed some running rigging.

From The Captive in Patagonia by Bourne, Benjamin Franklin