pin rail


noun

Theater. a rail on a fly gallery, wall, etc., holding two rows of pins or cleats for securing lines attached to scenery.
Nautical. a strong rail at the side of the deck of a vessel, for holding the pins to which some of the running rigging is belayed.
Compare fife rail.

Origin of pin rail

First recorded in 1875–80

Example sentences from the Web for pin rail

  • I stepped over to the pin-rail and pulled out a wooden belaying-pin.

    The Flying Bo'sun |Arthur Mason
  • Margaret did not disdain the aid of my hand as she climbed upon the pin-rail at the foot of the weather jigger-rigging.

  • "Tie it off" is the way they direct that the lines be made fast to the pin-rail.

  • And yet, there, in the shade on the pin-rail, that unbelievable and monstrous heart beat on.

British Dictionary definitions for pin rail

pin rail

noun

nautical a strong wooden rail or bar containing holes for belaying pins to which lines are fastened on sailing vessels Compare fife rail