parrel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / Nautical & HistoricalTechnical (nautical), historical, archaic.
Quick answer
What does “parrel” mean?
A movable loop or collar, typically of rope or metal, used to fasten a yard (a horizontal spar on a sailing ship) to a mast, allowing it to slide up and down.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A movable loop or collar, typically of rope or metal, used to fasten a yard (a horizontal spar on a sailing ship) to a mast, allowing it to slide up and down.
In a broader historical or technical context, any ring, band, or clasp that allows a sliding connection between two parts, especially in rigging or machinery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is identical and equally rare in both modern British and American English.
Connotations
Purely technical and historical. Evokes imagery of tall ships, maritime history, and traditional seamanship.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Its use is restricted to historical novels, nautical history texts, and among enthusiasts of traditional sailing.
Grammar
How to Use “parrel” in a Sentence
The [yard] is attached via a parrel to the [mast].A [rope/iron] parrel fastened the yard.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parrel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as an adjective.
American English
- Not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical maritime studies, archaeology of shipwrecks, and technical papers on sailing rig evolution.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in traditional sailing ship rigging manuals and restoration projects.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parrel”
- Misspelling as 'parcel', 'parrot', or 'parallel'.
- Using it as a verb.
- Assuming it is a common or modern word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic technical term from the Age of Sail. You will only encounter it in historical, nautical, or specialised contexts.
No, 'parrel' is exclusively a noun in historical and technical usage.
A shackle is a general-purpose metal connecting link. A parrel is a specific type of loop or collar designed to attach a yard to a mast, often incorporating rollers or beads to facilitate sliding.
In modern rigging, similar functions are achieved with specialised slides, cars, or tracks on a mast, but the specific term 'parrel' is obsolete outside of traditional sailing.
A movable loop or collar, typically of rope or metal, used to fasten a yard (a horizontal spar on a sailing ship) to a mast, allowing it to slide up and down.
Parrel is usually technical (nautical), historical, archaic. in register.
Parrel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpærəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PARROT wearing a COLLAR. A 'parrel' is like a COLLAR for a ship's yard (which sounds a bit like 'parrot').
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOINT or SLIDING NODE; a device that allows controlled movement while maintaining connection.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a parrel on a sailing ship?