belaying pin

Nautical line anchor

A belaying pin is a wooden or metal rod fitted into a rail on a sailing ship, used to secure ropes by winding them around it.

These pins allow sailors to quickly fasten and release lines controlling the sails.

Because they're removable and sturdy, belaying pins have historically doubled as improvised weapons in shipboard fights.

The sailor wrapped the halyard around the belaying pin to hold the sail in place.

nautical

rigging

Ropes controlling ship sails

marlinspike · tackle · mast · deck · rope · knot · capstan · ship · vessel · sailor

securing

fasten

Fix securely in position

  • tieEqual score, or neckwear
  • bindFasten or obligate
  • secureProtected from harm

clamp · cinch · grip · fix · attach · affix · mooring · anchor · steady · hold

weapon

club

Organization with membership

pirate · melee · strike · self-defense · boarding · combat · blunt instrument · wooden club

historical

Age of Sail

Era of wind-propelled ships

exploration · naval · galleon · merchantman · whaler · square-rigged · shipbuilding · navigation · wooden ship

Opposites
rope securing function

belaying pincleat

Shoe spike for grip

winch · loose end

rope handling action

belaying pinquick-release

Instant detachment mechanism

casting off · letting go

Family

belay, belayed, belaying, belays, belayer, belayers, pin, pins, pinned

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G