leadline

A sounding line; an instrument used in navigation to measure water depth.

Noun

  1. A sounding line; an instrument used in navigation to measure water depth.
    • Approximately 60% of inshore hydrography was acquired by leadline (pre-1940) sounding technology. - 2004, 2004 Atlantic Boating Almanac: Gulf of Mexico, →ISBN:
  2. A weighted line for holding down the lower edge of a gillnet.
    • To attach the bridles, start measuring from the point on the gavel 16 metres from the floatline wheree you have seized the end of the leadline. - 1987, M. Ben-Yami, Purse-seining with Small Boats, →ISBN, page 46:
    • The hold was empty, without a net, corkline, leadline or buoy to be found. - 1993, Dana Stabenow, A Fatal Thaw, →ISBN, page 103:
    • Generally, there will be equal selvedges to the floatline and leadline. - 1987, Ludvik Karlsen, Bjorn A. Bjarnason, Small-scale Fishing with Driftnets, →ISBN, page 33:
  3. Alternative form of lead line, a symptom of lead poisoning.

Origin

From lead (noun) + line (after the metal); the attached plummet is usually made from lead.

Forms

leadlines lead line

Noun Entry 2

  1. A leash or strap for leading an animal.

Origin

From lead (verb) + line.

Forms

leadlines lead line