RIGGING

The system of cordage by which the masts are supported, and the sails extended or taken in. Tlie rigging is hence divided into standing rigging and running rigging. The standing rigging consists of the pendants, short strong ropes first put over the lower mast heads, and having thimbles for hooking tackles to; the shrouds, stays, and backstays. The lower rigging implies that of the lower masts, the topmast rigging that of the topmast, and so on. The size, strength, number of ropes, . of the rigging, are all matters determined by experience. A complete description of rigging is to be" found in the well-known work of Darcy Lever. [s. 1066]