Wooden, usually large, disks through which holes allow the passage of thin ropes or lanyards. The number of holes is generally three, but may be less, particularly in the case of the heart which has a single eye, serrated at the bottom to gripe the lanyard. The deadeye is used as a block connected to the shrouds or chainplates and is called 'dead' due to the lack of a sheave.
A circular turned block of hardwood which is grooved around its circumference and pierced with three holes, used in pairs to secure the shrouds to the chainplates. A lanyard is rove through the holes in the deadeyes to create a purchase by which the shroud is set up taut. Originally "dead men's eyes".
wooden block with holes to receive shroud or stay and allow them to be tightened
An eye fitting which secures the "deadend" (knotted or spliced) or standing end of a line.
Rigging Deadhead Navigation
A block used to splice two lines, especially lanyards. (See illustration.)
A deadeye is an item used in the standing and running rigging of traditional sailing ships. It is a smallish round thick wooden disc with one or more holes through it, perpendicular to the plane of the disc. Single and triple-hole deadeyes are most commonly seen.