sounding lead

[ leed ]
/ lid /

noun

See under sounding line.

Definition for sounding lead (2 of 2)

sounding line

noun

a line weighted with a lead or plummet (sounding lead) and bearing marks to show the length paid out, used for sounding, as at sea.

Origin of sounding line

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Example sentences from the Web for sounding lead

British Dictionary definitions for sounding lead (1 of 2)

sounding lead
/ (lɛd) /

noun

a lead weight, usually conical and having a depression in the base for a dab of grease so that, when dropped to the bottom on a sounding line, a sample of sand, gravel, etc, can be retrieved

British Dictionary definitions for sounding lead (2 of 2)

sounding line

noun

a line marked off to indicate its length and having a sounding lead at one end. It is dropped over the side of a vessel to determine the depth of the water