A cleat is a sturdy deck fitting with two projecting horns used for making fast lines, halyards, or mooring ropes. Sailors secure ropes to a cleat using a specific figure-eight knot pattern called a cleat hitch, which holds fast under tension but can be released quickly even when the line is loaded. They are bolted firmly to the deck, mast, or dock to handle high lateral loads.
Heard on the job
Throw a quick figure eight on that stern cleat before she drifts off the dock.