Definition of bowline
1 : a rope used to keep the weather edge of a square sail taut forward
2 : a knot used to form a loop that neither slips nor jams — see knot illustration
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Origin and Etymology of bowline
Middle English boweline, probably from bowe bow + line
First Known Use: 13th century
BOWLINE Defined for Kids
bowline
play
noun
bow·line
\ˈbō-lən\
Definition of bowline for Students
: a knot used for making a loop that will not slip
Learn More about bowline
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See words that rhyme with bowline Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bowline
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