codline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Maritime
Quick answer
What does “codline” mean?
A strong, tarred, usually hemp line used in fishing, especially to string together caught codfish through the gills.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong, tarred, usually hemp line used in fishing, especially to string together caught codfish through the gills.
More broadly, any sturdy, tarred line used in maritime contexts, notably for handling fish or securing gear on fishing vessels.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primary usage is identical in both regions, tied to the North Atlantic fishing industry. The term may be more historically resonant in British English due to the UK's deep historical ties to the Grand Banks fishery.
Connotations
Connotes traditional, hard, manual labour on fishing boats. Evokes images of the historic salt-cod industry.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language. Frequency would be marginally higher in coastal communities of the UK (e.g., East Anglia, Scotland) and North America (e.g., Newfoundland, New England) with a fishing heritage.
Grammar
How to Use “codline” in a Sentence
N (to V) [e.g., They used a codline to string the catch.]V + N [e.g., coil/secure/mend the codline]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “codline” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They needed to codline the catch before bringing it below.
- We'll have to codline them by the gills.
American English
- They needed to string the cod on the codline before bringing it below.
- We'll have to run a codline through them.
adjective
British English
- He handed me a codline needle for mending.
- The codline spool was nearly empty.
American English
- He handed me a cod-line needle for splicing.
- The codline coil was nearly empty.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of commercial fishing supply or operations.
Academic
Appears in historical, maritime, or anthropological studies of fisheries.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Known only to fishermen, maritime historians, or enthusiasts.
Technical
Specific term in fishing gear terminology and traditional boat rigging.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “codline”
- Misspelling as 'codeline' or 'code line'.
- Using it to mean a general-purpose rope on any boat.
- Confusing it with modern monofilament fishing line.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A fishing line is used to catch fish with a hook. A codline is used after the catch to handle, string together, and store the fish, particularly cod.
Traditionally, it is made from hemp or other natural fibres that have been tarred to protect them from seawater and rot.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized term used almost exclusively in commercial fishing and maritime historical contexts.
Yes, in maritime jargon, it can be used as a verb meaning to string fish (especially cod) onto such a line.
A strong, tarred, usually hemp line used in fishing, especially to string together caught codfish through the gills.
Codline is usually technical/maritime in register.
Codline: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒd.laɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːd.laɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be on the codline (historical/regional: to be working hard on a fishing vessel).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'cod' (the fish) tied in a 'line' with a strong, tarred string: COD-LINE.
Conceptual Metaphor
None in common usage.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'codline' primarily used for?