Also 7 knettel, 7–8 -le, (8 nittle, 9 nettle). [A derivative of KNIT v.: see -LE, -EL1. OE. cnyttels is found once as a gloss to L. nervus.]
† 1. A string or cord for tying or fastening. Obs. in gen. sense.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., XVII. xcvii. (Tollem. MS.). Þred to sewynge, ropes to bindynge, and strenges to schetynge, knittels to knittynge [Ligamina ad connectendum]. Ibid., XVII. clxxv. (Bodl. MS.). Of persche beþ nedefulle bondes and knyttels [ed. 1495 knyttynges] made to binde up vines.
2. spec. a. Naut. A small line made of yarn, used on board ship. Also attrib.
1627. Capt. Smith, Seaman’s Gram., v. 25. Knettels are two rope yarnes twisted together, and a knot at each end, whereunto to sease a blocke, a rope, or the like.
1762. Falconer, Shipwr., II. 194. The reef enwrapp’d, th’ inserted nittles [ed. 1769 inserting knittles] ty’d.
c. 1860. H. Stuart, Seaman’s Catech., 30. Cut a nettle about two feet long.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Knittle, see Nettle. Ibid., Nettles, small line used for seizings, and for hammock-clues.
1885. J. Runciman, Skippers & Shellbacks, 185. If any hammock looked baggy, or if the ‘knittles’ were not hauled taut, the owner received a caning on the spot.
b. (See quots.)
1847–78. Halliwell, Knittle, a string fastened to the mouth of a sack to tie it with. Sussex.
1875. in Parish, Sussex Gloss.
1875. Knight, Dict. Mech., 1239/1. Knittle … 2. a drawstring of a bag.
1881. in Isle of Wight Gloss.
