Definition

A short line used in sailing to attach a corner of a sail to a yard or to pull a reef cringle to the yard.

Example

The sailor adjusted the earing to secure the sail properly.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an earing in sailing?

Yeah, I think it's that line used to attach the sail to the yard, right?

Exactly! It helps to control the sail's position when it's windy.

That makes sense; I can see why it's so important for navigating.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'earing' originates from Old English 'ear', meaning 'ear', combined with the suffix '-ing', which denotes a process or action. Thus, 'earing' refers to the act or process related to the ear, often associated with the act of wearing earrings or adorning the ears.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ear' as the part of the body and '-ing' as indicating an action or process. This helps you remember that 'earing' relates to the action of adorning the ears.

Visually Confused Words