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Turk's-head

American  
[turks-hed] / ˈtɜrksˌhɛd /

noun

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


Turk's-head British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Turk's-head

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

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

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)

“I can work a Turk’s-head, make a lizard, or mouse a stay—can’t I, Larry?”

From Salt Water The Sea Life and Adventures of Neil D'Arcy the Midshipman by Lacey, C. J. de

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

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