kevil

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

kevil (plural kevils)

1. (nautical) A sturdy belaying-pin for the heavier cables of a ship.
   • 1935, Walter Henry Johnston, Building a Little Ship:

     The halliard is belayed on the kevil with figure-of-eight turns (not hitched), and the coil is carried up to the pin-rail, where the 1-inch rope is passed round it, the eye at the end of this rope being finally passed over the pin.