n. Nautical: The forward shroud of the lower rigging.n. plural Formerly, in English ships, the after pair of shrouds.n. A small line joining the outer ends of capstan-bars to confine them to their sockets while the capstan is being turned.n. A rope used to encircle a boat longitudinally to strengthen and defend her sides in collision.n. Tackling to fasten a load to a wagon.n. A strong short stick inserted loop-wise into a rope or chain that goes round a load, acting as a lever to bind the load more tightly together.Nautical, to tighten by binding together, as the shrouds of the lower rigging.