burton
2 synonyms for burton, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A system of blocks and pulleys used to tighten rigging on a ship.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
block and tackle
tackle system
Etymology
Usually comes from Old English burhtun (fortified farmstead, a farmstead near or belonging to a stronghold or manor), formed from burh and tun.
Full origin of burton →Frequently asked questions
What does “burton” mean?
The word “burton” means a system of blocks and pulleys used to tighten rigging on a ship. In plain terms, a nautical term for a pulley arrangement used to tension ropes or rigging on a ship.
How do you use “burton” in a sentence?
Here is “burton” used in a sentence: “The sailors rigged a burton to haul the mast into place.”
What part of speech is “burton”?
“Burton” is a noun.
Is “burton” a common word?
“Burton” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is a burton used for on a ship?
A burton is a system of blocks and pulleys used to tighten rigging on a ship, giving sailors mechanical advantage when adjusting ropes and lines. It's a specialized nautical term rooted in traditional sailing practice.
Is "burton" a common word outside sailing contexts?
No, "burton" in this sense is a specialized nautical term rarely used outside sailing, rigging, or historical maritime writing. Most people encounter it only in nautical dictionaries, sailing manuals, or period fiction involving ships.
How is a burton different from a regular pulley?
A burton is a specific arrangement combining multiple blocks and pulleys into a system for tightening rigging, rather than a single simple pulley. This setup allows greater mechanical advantage than one pulley alone would provide.
