Turk's-head

American  

[turks-hed] / ˈtɜrksˌhɛd /

noun

1. a turbanlike knot of small cords, made around a rope, spar, etc.

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Turk's-head British  

noun

1. an ornamental turban-like knot made by weaving small cord around a larger rope

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Etymology

Origin of Turk's-head

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Turk's-head

A curious vine hung like a rope, with Turk's-head knots about a foot apart on its whole length, like the hand-over-hand ropes of gymnasiums.

From The Land of Footprints by White, Stewart Edward

The last I still retain, and use whenever I make up a bundle for the express; but before such mysteries—to me—as a Turk's-head and a double-wall, I merely bowed in reverence.

From From Sail to Steam, Recollections of Naval Life by Mahan, A. T. (Alfred Thayer)

"Kate," said I, "do you see what beauties these Turk's-head knots are?"

From Deephaven and Selected Stories & Sketches by Jewett, Sarah Orne

He says that he was at that time rather delicate, and had not yet developed that prodigious strength which later on enabled him to strike a 520-pound blow on a Turk's-head.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern, Vol. 15 by Various

Woolfolk moved abruptly, and, securing a bucket to the handle of which a short rope had been spliced and finished with an ornamental Turk’s-head, he swung it overboard and brought it up half full.

From Wild Oranges by Hergesheimer, Joseph