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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

The section was then hauled ahead by passing the main fall of the derrick through a snatch block on the first rib.

From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers

Hence to haul the concrete cars up the grade by using a wire cable, it was necessary to anchor a snatch block at the center of the bridge.

From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers

To the top of the post was lashed the snatch block through which passed the wire rope.

From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers

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.