Nautical Term: Thimble
Definition of Thimble
A thimble is a small, circular tool made of iron or another durable material. It features a groove on the outside edge, which is designed to hold a grommet or a rope splice securely in place.
For example, when setting up a sail on a sailboat, the sailor would attach the sail to the boat using ropes called sheets and halyards. To prevent the ropes from fraying or wearing down too quickly, the sailor would splice the ends of the ropes using a thimble. By securely holding the grommets or splices in place, the thimble helps to ensure that the ropes remain strong and functional, allowing the sailor to effectively maneuver the sailboat.
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