BOWLINE

bowline, bowline knot

(noun) a loop knot that neither slips nor jams

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

bowline (plural bowlines)

(nautical) a knot tied so as to produce an eye or loop in the end of a rope; it will not slip or jam

Source: Wiktionary

Bow"line, n. Etym: [Cf. D. boelijn, Icel. böglïnabovline; properly the line attached to the shoulder or side of the sail. See Bow (of a ship), and Line.] (Naut.)

Definition: A rope fastened near the middle of the leech or perpendicular edge of the square sails, by subordinate ropes, called bridles, and used to keep the weather edge of the sail tight forward, when the ship is closehauled. Bowline bridles, the ropes by which the bowline is fastened to the leech of the sail.

– Bowline knot. See Illust. under Knot.

– On a bowline, close-hauled or sailing close to the wind; -- said of a ship.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition