tail-block

Definitions

noun The supporting block or end-piece for that end of the work which is farthest from the head-end or driving-mechanism, as in a lathe, or the carriage for logs, in a saw-mill.
noun Nautical, a single block having a short piece of rope attached to it by which it may be fastened to any object at pleasure. See cut under block, 11.

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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He had the tail-block slung round his neck, and the end of the gantline over his shoulder.

The Ghost Pirates 2007
He had the tail-block slung round his neck, and the end of the gantline over his shoulder.

The Ghost Pirates: Chapter 4 1909
Then, at Rogers 'command, one of the mutineers separated himself from the main body, and in the course of a minute or two was seen leisurely ascending the fore-rigging with a tail-block in one hand and the end of a coil of light line in the other.

The Voyage of the Aurora Harry Collingwood 1886
Most important cautions these, for if the tail-block be fastened too low on the wreck, the ropes will dip in the water, and perhaps foul the rocks.

Battles with the Sea 1859
They fasten the end of the hawser, as directed, about two feet _above_ the place where the tail-block is fixed to the stump of the mast.

Battles with the Sea 1859
He sent the topman down into the top for a tail-block and the studding-sail haulyards, made a whip, and lowered me on deck.

Peter Simple; and, The Three Cutters, Vol. 1-2 Frederick Marryat 1820
"Make this hawser fast about two feet above the tail-block.

Battles with the Sea 1859