bitts

English - English

Definition of bitts in English English dictionary

A frame composed of two strong oak timbers (bitt-heads) fixed vertically in the fore part of a ship, bolted to the deck beams to which are secured the cables when the ship rides to anchor

pair of heavy posts, set vertically in a deck or on a pier, to which mooring or towing lines are fastened

Cast steel heads serving as posts to which mooring lines and cables are secured on a ship

Small knighteads, usually with only one sheeve or none at all

Other bitts are used for belaying (belaying bitts), for sustaining the windlass (carrick bitts, winch bitts, or windlass bitts), to hold the pawls of the windlass (pawl bitts) etc

A frame of strong oak timber bolted to the deck beams in the fore part of a ship to which were secured the cables when the ship rode to anchor

A frame of two strong timbers fixed perpendicularly in the fore part of a ship, on which to fasten the cables as the ship rides at anchor, or in warping

Pair of vertical wood or metal posts fixed on deck, to which ropes may be secured

Etymology

() See reference.