How Do You Spell COCKBILL?

1. Cockbill is a nautical term referring to the action of raising or tilting the ends of a ship's yard or gaff, typically high in order to secure or furl sails. It is achieved by attaching ropes or tackles called halyards to the respective ends of the yard or gaff, and then hoisting or tensioning them to achieve the desired angle. This maneuver is primarily carried out when the ship is at anchor or in dock, to protect the sails from catching wind or getting damaged.

   The term "cockbill" can also be used as a verb, denoting the action of cockbilling the yard or gaff. Additionally, it can describe the position of an object or device tilted at an upward angle, resembling the position of a raised yard or gaff. In a metaphorical sense, "cockbill" can be used to describe something that is inclined or elevated in a mischievous or jaunty manner.

   Originally derived from the Middle English word "cockȝbyllen," meaning to tilt, cockbill has its roots in the Old Norse word "kofa," meaning beam or rafters, and "bylle," meaning a roll or bundle. This reflects the historical practice of securing and storing the ship's sails by rolling them around the elevated yard or gaff, hence the association of cockbilling with furling. Overall, cockbill represents a fundamental maneuver in sailing, essential for adjusting sail positions to ensure efficient and safe operation of the ship.

Common Misspellings for COCKBILL

The word "cockbill" originated in Middle English as a compound of two elements: "cock" and "bill".

The term "cock" came from Old English "cocc", which meant a male bird, especially a rooster. Over time, the term "cock" expanded to have additional meanings, including "showy or proud person" and "small or tapered ridge or hill". In the nautical context, "cock" refers to the horizontal position of a yardarm, typically at an angle or raised.

The term "bill" has various origins, but in this case, it comes from Middle English "bille", derived from Old Norse "bíldr". It originally meant a piece of wood or a stick, but it also acquired specific meanings related to shipbuilding and sailing.

Conjugate verb Cockbill