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

See Examples For:

running rigging

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

Also, the rail round the main-mast, and encircling both it and the pumps, furnished with belaying pins for the running rigging, though now obsolete under the iron rule.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Sir Edward Belcher

Unfortunately, the ship was unmanageable, her sails and running rigging flying in all directions; but, as a substitute, we gave them the stern-chasers, entirely loaded with grape, as long as it could be of service.

From Privateers and Privateering by E. P. Statham

It was discovered, at length, that our vessel needed some running rigging.

From The Captive in Patagonia by Benjamin Franklin Bourne