knittle
(ˈnɪt(ə)l)
Also 7 knettel, 7–8 -le, (8 nittle, 9 nettle).
[A derivative of knit v.: see -le, -el1. OE. cnyttels is found once as a gloss to L. nervus.]
† 1. A string or cord for tying or fastening. Obs. in gen. sense.
| 1398 Trevisa Barth. De P.R. xvii. xcvii. (Tollem. MS.), Þred to sewynge, ropes to bindynge, and strenges to schetynge, knittels to knittynge [Ligamina ad connectendum]. Ibid. xvii. clxxv. (Bodl. MS.), Of persche beþ nedefulle bondes and knyttels [ed. 1495 knyttynges] made to binde up vines. |
2. spec. a. Naut. A small line made of yarn, used on board ship. Also attrib.
| 1627 Capt. Smith Seaman's Gram. v. 25 Knettels are two rope yarnes twisted together, and a knot at each end, where⁓unto to sease a blocke, a rope, or the like. 1762 Falconer Shipwr. ii. 194 The reef enwrapp'd, th' inserted nittles [ed. 1769 inserting knittles] ty'd. c 1860 H. Stuart Seaman's Catech. 30 Cut a nettle about two feet long. 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Knittle, see Nettle. Ibid., Nettles, small line used for seizings, and for hammock-clues. 1885 J. Runciman Skippers & Shellbacks 185 If any hammock looked baggy or if the ‘knittles’ were not hauled taut. |
b. (See quots.)
| 1847–78 Halliwell, Knittle, a string fastened to the mouth of a sack to tie it with. Sussex. 1875 in Parish Sussex Gloss. 1875 Knight Dict. Mech. 1239/1 Knittle..2. a draw⁓string of a bag. 1881 in Isle of Wight Gloss. |