n. [ Cf. D. boelijn, Icel. böglïna&unr_;, Dan. bovline; properly the line attached to the shoulder or side of the sail. See Bow (of a ship), and Line. ] (Naut.) A rope fastened near the middle of the leech or perpendicular edge of the square sails, by subordinate ropes, called bridles, and used to keep the weather edge of the sail tight forward, when the ship is closehauled. [ 1913 Webster ]
Bowline bridles,
Bowline knot.
On a bowline,
n. [ Etymol. uncertain. ] (Naut.) Old, condemned canvas, rope, etc., unfit for use except in chafing gear.
n. (Naut.) Same as Rombowline. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. pl. (Naut.) The men in the starboard watch. [ Obs. ] R. H. Dana, Jr. [ 1913 Webster ]