A ring of wads placed round a gun, as sometimes practised, for readiness and stowage. Also, a strop round a lower mast carrying leading-blocks. Also, the chain necklace, to which the futtock-shrouds are secured in some vessels.
·noun A rope or chain fitted around the masthead to hold hanging blocks for jibs and stays. II. Nec...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
A halter. ...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose