Wordsmith.org: the magic of words

Wordsmith Talk

About Us | What's New | Search | Site Map | Contact Us  

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
#118279 12/25/03 09:24 PM
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,296
W
Carpal Tunnel
OP Offline
Carpal Tunnel
W
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,296
We've been talking today below the equator about spurs and rowels. In taking a closer look at spurs through MW online, I found this term that is interesting regarding boats and spurs:

Main Entry: spur shore Pronunciation Guide
Function: noun
: a timber or spar designed to hold a boat away from a pier wharf or quay


A spur on a rider is shaped somewhat like a wishbone on a turkey. I wonder about this timeber that holds the boat away. Is it on the wharf or on the boat, I wonder?


#118280 12/25/03 09:47 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
W
wwh Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
W
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
And railroad sidings were sometimes called spurs.


#118281 12/26/03 04:23 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891
B
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
B
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891
I can't find dock spurs on the net (but I admit that I'm not the best at net investigations).


#118282 12/26/03 01:27 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
W
wwh Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
W
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
I found a naval glossary with this:
"SPURS, pieces of timber fixed on the bulgeways, and the upper end bolted to the ship's side above water, for security to the bulgeways.

I think it means hanging timbers over the side when ship
is moored alongside a quay that might chafe the ship.


#118283 12/26/03 09:13 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 171
J
member
Offline
member
J
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 171
We called these "fenders" on my ship.


#118284 12/27/03 01:27 AM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Fenders! Thanks, JH, I've heard of those; not spurs, though. What are bulgeways, please?


#118285 12/27/03 02:26 AM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
W
wwh Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
W
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Dear Jackiea: the sides of sailing vessel bulged out above
the waterline, and would come in contact with structure
they were being held to. So fenders would protect the
part in contact with the dock. I think.



Moderated by  Jackie 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Forum Statistics
Forums16
Topics13,912
Posts229,283
Members9,179
Most Online3,341
Dec 9th, 2011
Newest Members
TRIALNERRA, befuddledmind, KILL_YOUR_SUV, Heather_Turey, Standy
9,179 Registered Users
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 444 guests, and 3 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Top Posters(30 Days)
Top Posters
wwh 13,858
Faldage 13,803
Jackie 11,613
tsuwm 10,542
wofahulicodoc 10,510
LukeJavan8 9,916
AnnaStrophic 6,511
Wordwind 6,296
of troy 5,400
Disclaimer: Wordsmith.org is not responsible for views expressed on this site. Use of this forum is at your own risk and liability - you agree to hold Wordsmith.org and its associates harmless as a condition of using it.

Home | Today's Word | Yesterday's Word | Subscribe | FAQ | Archives | Search | Feedback
Wordsmith Talk | Wordsmith Chat

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5