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

She was a biggish composite vessel of about seventeen hundred tons register, with that horrible thing, wire running rigging.

From A Tramp's Notebook by Roberts, Morley

The Thisbe’s crew returned it with interest, and before the enemy could again fire they delivered a second broadside, which cut away some of her standing and running rigging, and caused other damage.

From Won from the Waves by Greene, John B.

The light of day beheld us again at work; and several hours behoved still to elapse before the masts could be hoisted, the sails bent, and the running rigging rove.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Vol. XX by Leighton, Alexander