downhaul

[ doun-hawl ]

/ ˈdaʊnˌhɔl /

any of various lines for pulling down a sail or a yard, as for securing in a lowered position when not in use.

Origin of downhaul

First recorded in 1660–70; down¹ + haul

Make for the nearest port with all speed, and keep a man at the downhaul ready at a moment's notice to lower sail.

Boat-Building and Boating |Daniel Carter Beard
Sometimes it is well to make up the downhaul as is done with the downhaul of the topmast studdingsail.

The Seaman's Friend |Richard Henry Dana
I ran forward and had the downhaul of the flying jib all in and fast as we slipped by the boat a hundred feet to leeward.

The Sea-Wolf |Jack London
Joe found the jib-halyard and cast it off the pin, and, as the canvas fluttered down, came in hand over hand on the downhaul.

The Cruise of the Dazzler |Jack London

Haul out on the downhaul, hoisting and lowering on the halyards.

The Seaman's Friend |Richard Henry Dana

downhaul

/ (ˈdaʊnˌhɔːl) /

nautical a line for hauling down a sail or for increasing the tension at its luff