The Collaborative International Dictionary
Belaying pin \Be*lay"ing pin`\ (b[-e]*l[=a]"[i^]ng p[i^]n`). (Naut.) A strong pin in the side of a vessel, or by the mast, round which ropes are wound when they are fastened or belayed. [1913 Webster] ||
Wiktionary
n. (context nautical English) Any of the short lengths of wood, iron or brass set up in convenient places on a ship to secure running rigging.
WordNet
n. a wood or metal bar to which a rope can be secured (as on a ship or in mountain climbing)
Wikipedia
A belaying pin is a solid metal or wooden device used on traditionally rigged sailing vessels to secure lines of running rigging. Largely replaced on most modern vessels by cleats, they are still used, particularly on square rigged ships.
A belaying pin is composed of a round handle and cylindrical shaft. The shaft is inserted into a hole in various strategically located wooden pinrails (lining the inside of the bulwarks, surrounding the base of masts, or free-standing, called fife rails) up to the base of the handle. A line is then led under and behind the base of the pin then round the top in a Figure-8 pattern till at least four turns are complete.
Excess line is coiled and stored neatly by taking a bight from the upper part of the final strand, looping it over and round beneath the coil, then twisting it once or more before slipping the twisted end over the top of the belaying pin to secure the coil in place.
Usage examples of "belaying pin".
The belaying pin was made of hardwood and was both heavy and sturdy.
At the edge of his vision he sees his monkey's belaying pin, a tattered, splintered, torn, beautiful belaying pin, meet and slightly deflect the huge Guldur sword.
He went to a rack and pulled out a belaying pin and motioned Tess into the cabin.
Whipple smiling at her while Captain Hoxworth monitored her with his belaying pin.
He took a belaying pin from the rail, and walked up slowly to the seated pilot, weighing the instrument meditatively in his hand.
Austin paced restlessly back and forth, a belaying pin in his hand.
The half-ogre slammed his belaying pin against the chest of the nearest one, but so thick was the creature's hide, that the blow was virtually ineffectual, bouncing off.
Reaching into the folds of his fur cloak, the half-ogre tugged free his belaying pin and churned forward, the snow spraying Ulin and Gilthanas who were behind him.