Naut. Obs. In 7 knauling, knaueline. One of the small lines in the tackling of a vessel (see quot. 1627).
1626. Capt. Smith, Accid. Yng. Sea-men, 15. Small cordage, as head lines, the knaulings, gassits or furling lines. Ibid. (1627), Seaman’s Gram., v. 24. The Knaue-line is a rope [that] hath one end fastened to the crosse trees, and so comes downe by the ties to the Rams head … to keepe the ties and Halyards from turning about one another when they are new.
1678. Phillips (ed. 4), Knave Line.
1867. in Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., s.v. Line.
