pad eye

noun

: a small usually round opening that is in an edgewise projection of a plate welded or otherwise fixed to a part of a ship's structure and that is used like an eyebolt as a catch (as for hooks) or other point of attachment (as for rigging)

also : a ring or similar projection forming part of and extending edgewise from a plate on a ship's structure and used in the same way

Word History

Etymology

pad entry 1

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