standing rigging

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. rigging remaining permanently in position as a means of steadying various spars, shrouds, stays, etc. (contrasted with running rigging).

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standing rigging British  

noun

1. the stays, shrouds, and other more or less fixed, though adjustable, wires and ropes that support the masts of a sailing vessel Compare running rigging

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Etymology

Origin of standing rigging

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

The frames are oak, the planking Oregon pine, the decks canvas-covered spruce, the standing rigging stainless steel.

From Time Magazine Archive

The ratlines and standing rigging, the downhauls and halyards formed a ghostly tapestry, like the gossamer web of some forest glade.

From The Ice Pilot by Leverage, Henry

Her yards were canted, her masts sloped forward instead of aft, her standing rigging was loose and weather-rotted.

From The Ice Pilot by Leverage, Henry

Of course, all canvas and running gear had rotted away, but here and there was a leg of standing rigging, preserved by the tar.

From The Grain Ship by Robertson, Morgan

Next they stepped her length, stepping on the sand outside, to decide on the height of the mast, and where were the ropes to be fastened? for they meant to have some standing rigging.

From Bevis The Story of a Boy by Jefferies, Richard