running rigging

American  

noun

Nautical.

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

2. rigging for handling cargo.

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running rigging British  

noun

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

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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

Unfortunately, the ship was unmanageable, her sails and running rigging flying in all directions; but, as a substitute, we gave them the stern-chasers, entirely loaded with grape, as long as it could be of service.

From Privateers and Privateering by Statham, E. P.

Within twenty minutes most of the running rigging was also shot away, so as to leave the ship largely unmanageable; but she had only five killed and five wounded.

From Sea Power in its Relations to the War of 1812 Volume 1 by Mahan, A. T. (Alfred Thayer)

The jib and foresail, and a portion of the standing and running rigging, had been saved, and the Belgian and the Dutchman made a computation of the cost of labor and material.

From Dikes and Ditches Young America in Holland and Belguim by Optic, Oliver