Parbuncle

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. A rope sling passed under a heavy barrel or cask so it can be lifted ; to raise such a load by means of that rope arrangement
2. A looped rope tackle that cradles a cask for hoisting ; to lift a heavy object by passing a rope around it in this way
3. A type of rope harness used to haul a cylindrical load upward ; to hoist something using this kind of rope sling

Etymology: A parbuncle is a rope sling passed under a heavy load, with a hoisting line attached at its middle. Pulling from that central point lifts the load while keeping it balanced, so it does not tip. Sailors used the arrangement for cargo such as casks, and it could also be rigged to raise or lower a person over a ship's side. The word's origin is uncertain, and its early history is not documented well enough to trace with confidence. It belongs to the vocabulary of rigging and seamanship, where it names a specific device rather than the general act of lifting.

Synonyms: sling, tackle