Nautical Term: Bosom barb
Definition of Bosom barb
Bosom Barb refers to a type of sparring used in ship-to-ship combat during the age of sail. This combat technique involves the opposing ships maneuvering to bring their broadsides into close proximity. The Bosom Barb refers to the spiked railing along the ship’s gunwale, which would come into contact with the opposing ship’s Bosom Barb. As the two ships collided, the spiked railings would inflict significant damage to the opposing ship’s hull and crew.
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