noun
Uncommon
burton
Burton (noun) means a system of blocks and pulleys used to tighten rigging on a ship. Example: “The sailors rigged a burton to haul the mast into place.”
noun
1
A system of blocks and pulleys used to tighten rigging on a ship.
"The sailors rigged a burton to haul the mast into place."
"Using a burton, the crew managed to tighten the stay on the old schooner."
"The ship's rigger explained how a burton gives extra pulling power with little effort."
How to use burton
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA nautical term for a pulley arrangement used to tension ropes or rigging on a ship.
When to use it
A specialist nautical term, rarely used outside sailing contexts.
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Word forms
- Plural
- burtons
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The sailors rigged a _____ to haul the mast into place.
Etymology
Usually comes from Old English burhtun (fortified farmstead, a farmstead near or belonging to a stronghold or manor), formed from burh and tun.
Synonyms
View more →
block and tackle
tackle system
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.
