Parrel

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A ring or rope loop that fastens a spar called a yard to a mast while letting it slide up and down
2. On a sailing ship, a sliding collar or band of rope that secures a yard against the mast
3. A nautical fitting of rope or wooden beads that keeps a sail-carrying spar attached to the vertical mast

Etymology: "Parrel" is a nautical term for a loop or collar of rope, chain, or wood that holds a sail or yard against a mast while still letting it slide up and down. It comes from French "appareil," meaning equipment or gear, the same French source that gave English "apparel." The two words are doublets: they split apart in English, one keeping the general sense of fittings and gear and the other narrowing to the rigging of a ship. Sailors, in other words, were using the same root as the tailor's word for clothing, just for the ropes and fastenings that kept a vessel's spars in place. Over time the older sense of "apparel" as clothing or outfit took over in general use, while "parrel" stayed on the ship, where the older meaning of gear remained useful.