snatch block

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. a fairlead having the form of a block that can be opened to receive the bight of a rope at any point along its length.

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snatch block British  

noun

1. nautical a block that can be opened so that a rope can be inserted from the side, without threading it through from the end

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Etymology

Origin of snatch block

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

snatch block

Lead aft to a snatch block fast to the aftermost ringbolts and forward free.

From Time Magazine Archive

Maybe you noticed the boys used the snatch block two or three times this afternoon?

From Big Timber A Story of the Northwest by Sinclair, Bertrand W.

It is principally used for securing the tail of a handy billy or snatch block to a larger rope, or when hanging off a rope with a stopper.

From Knots, Bends, Splices With tables of strengths of ropes, etc. and wire rigging by Jutsum, J. Netherclift

Well, sometimes they have to anchor a snatch block to a stump an' run the main line through it at an angle to get a log out the way you want.

From Big Timber A Story of the Northwest by Sinclair, Bertrand W.

"And, Billy,—'fore ye go ashore, jump into the yawl and take a look at that snatch block on the spar buoy,—that clam digger may want it 'fore night."

From The Veiled Lady and Other Men and Women by Smith, Francis Hopkinson