lubber's hole

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. (in a top on a mast) an open space through which a sailor may pass instead of climbing out on the futtock shrouds.

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lubber's hole British  

noun

1. nautical a hole in a top or platform on a mast through which a sailor can climb

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Etymology

Origin of lubber's hole

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

Rupert got into the top via the lubber's hole, I am sorry to say, and the loosing of the sail on both yard-arms fell to my duty.

From Afloat and Ashore A Sea Tale by Cooper, James Fenimore

About two hours, however, after he had been missed, Munroe, to the surprise of Dunlap, thrust his head through the lubber's hole.

From Narratives of Shipwrecks of the Royal Navy; between 1793 and 1849 by Gilly, William O. S.

I was afraid to venture, and then he proposed that I should go through lubber’s hole, which he said had been made for people like me.

From Peter Simple by Marryat, Frederick

Cushner climbed up through the lubber's hole on the third day of the outbound passage, lifted himself over the edge of the crow's-nest, and dropped down beside Stirling.

From The Ice Pilot by Leverage, Henry

He reached the Jacob's ladder and went out instead of going through the lubber's hole.

From The Ice Pilot by Leverage, Henry