Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Chalatorius

Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary, and Greek Lexicon (Rich, 1849)

CHALATO'RIUS, sc. funis (ἐπίτονος, sc. ἰμάς). The rope by which a sail-yard is raised and lowered on the mast, corresponding with the halyard of modern nautical language. It was fastened on the middle of the yard, and run up through a block affixed to the mast, from which the end descended to the deck, where it was worked by the sailors. (Veget. Mil. iv. 15.) It is probably derived from χαλάω, to slacken, loosen, or let down; and allied to the χαλινός, or bridle of the Greek sailors.