sennit

American  

[sen-it] / ˈsɛn ɪt /

Also sinnet or sennet

noun

1. a flat, braided cordage, formed by plaiting strands of rope yarn or other fiber, used as small stuff aboard ships.

2. braided straw or grass used in making hats.

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sennit British  

/ ˈsɛnɪt /

noun

1. a flat braided cordage used on ships

2. plaited straw, grass, palm leaves, etc, as for making hats

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Etymology

Origin of sennit

First recorded in 1760–70; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

As far as possible work was confined to the fore part of the ship, and beside the ordinary routine little was done but the plaiting of rope yarns into sennit—always a kill-time.

From Project Gutenberg

Quick, Will’m, shy me that piece o’ sennit: we must secure him ’fore he gives clean up and goes to the bottom.

From Project Gutenberg

Frap the first and riding turns together on each side with sennit.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the largest houses have not a nail in them, but are fastened together with sennit, which is a line made from the root of a tree.

From Project Gutenberg

Some were swinging on ropes of sennit, suspended from the branches of the trees, and a few were quietly sitting in the shade, making bouquets and wreaths of wild-flowers.

From Project Gutenberg