Network of rope or small line for the purpose of securing hammocks, sails, &c.
♦ Boarding netting. A stout netting formerly extended fore and aft from the gunwale to a proper height up the rigging. Its use was to prevent an enemy from jumping on board.
♦ Splinter netting. Is stretched from the main-mast aft to the mizen-mast, in a horizontal position, about 12 feet above the quarter-deck. It secures those engaged there from injury by the fall of any objects from the mast-heads during an action:
"And has saved the lives of many men
Who have fallen from aloft."