MARTINGAL
Noun
martingal (plural martingals)
Alternative form of martingale (piece of harness for a horse)
Source: Wiktionary
Mar"tin*gale, Mar"tin*gal, n. Etym: [F. martingale; cf. It.
martingala a sort of hose, martingale, Sp. martingala a greave,
cuish, martingale, Sp. almártaga a kind of bridle.]
1. A strap fastened to a horse's girth, passing between his fore
legs, and fastened to the bit, or now more commonly ending in two
rings, through which the reins pass. It is intended to hold down the
head of the horse, and prevent him from rearing.
2. (Naut.)
Definition: A lower stay of rope or chain for the jib boom or flying jib
boom, fastened to, or reeved through, the dolphin striker. Also, the
dolphin striker itself.
3. (Gambling)
Definition: The act of doubling, at each stake, that which has been lost on
the preceding stake; also, the sum so risked; -- metaphorically
derived from the bifurcation of the martingale of a harness. [Cant]
Thackeray.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition