Fife rail — Fife Fife (f[imac]f), n. [F. fifre, OHG. pf[=i]fa, LL. pipa pipe, pipare to play on the pipe, fr. L. pipire, pipare, to peep, pip, chirp, as a chiken. See {Pipe}.] (Mus.) A small shrill pipe, resembling the piccolo flute, used chiefly to… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
fife rail — fife′ rail n. navig. a rail on a sailing vessel where belaying pins are inserted … From formal English to slang
fife rail — n. Naut. an inboard rail with holes for belaying pins … English World dictionary
fife rail — Pin Pin, n. [OE. pinne, AS. pinn a pin, peg; cf. D. pin, G. pinne, Icel. pinni, W. pin, Gael. & Ir. pinne; all fr. L. pinna a pinnacle, pin, feather, perhaps orig. a different word from pinna feather. Cf. {Fin} of a fish, {Pen} a feather.] 1. A… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
fife rail — Naut. a rail surrounding or next to the mast of a sailing vessel for use in holding the pins to which some of the running rigging is belayed. Cf. pin rail. [1715 25] * * * … Universalium
fife rail — noun Date: circa 1800 a rail about the mast near the deck to which rigging is belayed … New Collegiate Dictionary
fife rail — noun chiefly historical a rail round the mainmast of a sailing ship, holding belaying pins. Origin C18: of unknown origin … English new terms dictionary
fife rail — /ˈfaɪf reɪl/ (say fuyf rayl) noun a rail round the lower part of a mast of a ship, for holding belaying pins …
fife-rail — n. Naut. a rail round the mainmast with belaying pins. Etymology: 18th c.: orig. unkn … Useful english dictionary
Fife — (f[imac]f), n. [F. fifre, OHG. pf[=i]fa, LL. pipa pipe, pipare to play on the pipe, fr. L. pipire, pipare, to peep, pip, chirp, as a chiken. See {Pipe}.] (Mus.) A small shrill pipe, resembling the piccolo flute, used chiefly to accompany the drum … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
