MAINBRACE Meaning and
Definition
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Mainbrace is a nautical term that refers to a specific part of a ship's rigging, specifically the largest and heaviest of the ropes in a sailing vessel. More specifically, it denotes the primary and central brace that supports the main yard, which is the horizontal spar on a mast where the main sail is attached.
Apart from its technical meaning in sailing, the term "mainbrace" has also become significant in naval jargon, particularly in the phrase "to splice the mainbrace." This phrase historically refers to a naval tradition where a celebration or good news prompts the crew to be served an extra ration of rum. Originally, this referred to the actual splicing of the mainbrace, an arduous task done by the crew requiring them to climb up the rigging to repair or renew the mainbrace, which was rewarded with an extra ration of rum.
Over time, "to splice the mainbrace" has evolved into a figurative expression signifying a celebration or an occasion to enjoy an alcoholic drink, often rum. It is typically used in a historical or nautical context, highlighting the rich traditions and customs associated with naval life.
In summary, "mainbrace" is a term used in sailing to describe the largest and strongest of the ropes in a ship's rigging, specifically the brace supporting the main yard. In a broader context, "to splice the mainbrace" refers to a naval tradition of rewarding sailors with an extra ration of rum, often used metaphorically to signify celebration or merriment.
Common Misspellings for MAINBRACE
- nainbrace
- kainbrace
- jainbrace
- mzinbrace
- msinbrace
- mwinbrace
- mqinbrace
- maunbrace
- majnbrace
- maknbrace
- maonbrace
- ma9nbrace
- ma8nbrace
- maibbrace
- maimbrace
- maijbrace
- maihbrace
- mainvrace
- mainnrace
- mainhrace
Etymology of MAINBRACE
The term "mainbrace" can be traced back to naval terminology. It refers to a specific rope on sailing ships known as a "brace" that is used to control the angle of the ship's yard. The yard is a horizontal spar used to support and control a ship's sails.
The word "main" in "mainbrace" comes from the Middle English word "meyne" or "mein", which means "chief" or "principal". In this context, "main" refers to the largest yard on a sailing ship, known as the "mainyard". The mainbrace is thus the brace attached to the mainyard.
The use of "brace" in this context comes from the Old English word "bresan", which means "to brace or tighten". It evolved to refer to the rope used to control the angle of the yard.
Idioms with the word MAINBRACE
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splice the mainbrace
The idiom "splice the mainbrace" refers to the traditional naval custom of issuing an extra ration of rum to the crew after completing a difficult or important task. It is often used figuratively to mean celebrating or rewarding a job well done.
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