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Glite Dictionary
fairlead

fairlead

1 9.9
A ring or pulley on a ship that guides a rope and prevents it rubbing
  • noun
  • /ˈfɛrˌlid/
  • Specialized
translation icon : guía
  • When docking, always check that the fairlead is properly aligned with the mooring line.

Examples

  • The sailor carefully threaded the line through the fairlead to avoid damaging the rope.

  • Modern yachts often use stainless steel fairleads for durability and smooth operation.

  • The ship's fairlead helps direct the anchor line.

  • They installed new fairleads on the boat.

  • The sailor adjusted the fairlead to ensure the rope would run smoothly without chafing.

  • To prevent wear on the cable, the crew replaced the old fairlead with a new one made of durable plastic.

  • The fairlead helped guide the heavy line during the docking process, making it safer for the crew.

Synonyms

straight fairlead
vsfairlead
  • Specialized
8.4

A part that guides an anchor rope in a straight path on a ship

is a general guiding device for ropes that also prevents chafing

Compounds

straight fairlead
  • Specialized
8.4

A part that guides an anchor rope in a straight path on a ship

Surface Forms

fairlead singular
fairleads plural

Morphology

fairlead = fair + lead (semi-transparent) = fair + lead

The compound is compositional ('fair' + 'lead' = guiding smoothly), but the specific nautical sense 'device that guides a rope and prevents chafing' is a specialized usage not obvious to general learners.

Etymology

The word fairlead comes from the old parts fair ('smooth' or 'even') and lead ('to guide'), so think of it as a smooth guide. That's why a fairlead is a small device on a ship that keeps a rope running smoothly and stops it from rubbing and wearing out.