Martingale
WordNet
noun
(1) Spar under the bowsprit of a sailboat
(2) A harness strap that connects the nose piece to the girth; prevents the horse from throwing back its head
WiktionaryText
Noun
- A piece of harness used on a horse to keep it from raising its head above a desired point.
- A spar, or piece of rigging that strengthens the bowsprit.
- A gambling strategy in which one doubles the stake after each loss.
- A strap attached to the sword handle, preventing a sword being dropped if disarmed.