martingale

mar·tin·gale  (märtn-gl) also mar·tin·gal (-gl)

n.

1. The strap of a horse's harness that connects the girth to the noseband and is designed to prevent the horse from throwing back its head.

2. Nautical Any of several parts of standing rigging strengthening the bowsprit and jib boom against the force of the head stays.

3. Games A method of gambling in which one doubles the stakes after each loss.

4. A loose half belt or strap placed on the back of a garment, such as a coat or jacket.

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[French, perhaps alteration of Spanish almártaga, almártiga, rein, harness, perhaps of Arabic origin.]

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martingale

Noun

a strap from the reins to the girth of a horse, preventing it from carrying its head too high [French]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	martingale - a harness strap that connects the nose piece to the girth; prevents the horse from throwing back its head harness - stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart saddlery, stable gear, tack - gear for a horse
	2.	martingale - spar under the bowsprit of a sailboat dolphin striker spar - a stout rounded pole of wood or metal used to support rigging