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

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)

A strand between each of his toes, and the big ones turned up in quite an ornamental way, and worked around with a Turk’s-head knot.

From Captain Brand of the "Centipede" A Pirate of Eminence in the West Indies: His Love and Exploits, Together with Some Account of the Singular Manner by Which He Departed This Life by Wise, H. A. (Henry Augustus)

“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

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

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