ˈstray-line Naut.
[f. stray a. (or stray n. 7) + line n.]
1. (See quot. 1867.)
| 1703 W. Dampier Voy. III. i. 99 An extraordinary Care ought to be used in heaving the Log, for fear of giving too much Stray-Line in a moderate Gale. 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Stray line of the log, about 10 or 12 fathoms of line left unmarked next the log-ship, in order that it may get out of the eddy of the ship's wake before the measuring begins, or the glass is turned. |
2. = stray n. 6.
| 1769 Falconer Dict. Marine ii. (1780), Derive..the stray-line, or allowance made for stray-line, occasioned by a ship's falling to leeward, when sounding, in deep water. |
3. Whaling. That part of the tow-line which is in the water when fast to a whale.
| 1820 Scoresby Acc. Arctic Reg. II. 232 A portion of five or six fathoms of the line first put into the boat called the ‘stray-line’, is left uncovered, by that which follows. |
4. A submerged or floating line fastened at one end only.
| 1888 Hardy Wessex Tales II. v. 143 They'll string the tubs to a stray-line, and sink 'em a little-ways from shore. |