Nautical Term: Painter

Definition of Painter

A painter refers to a short length of rope, usually around six feet long, which is secured in the bow of a small boat. This painter is used for making the boat fast, or securing it to a dock or another boat. For instance, imagine a sailor in a small dinghy, approaching a dock. He throws the painter over the dock, secures it to the dinghy, and pulls himself up onto the dock.

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