A colt is a piece of heavy rope, often knotted at the end, kept by boatswains and petty officers in older sailing navies. It was used to deliver summary physical punishment or to force sailors to move faster during evolutions. The threat of the colt was a constant presence on the deck of square-riggers to enforce immediate discipline.
Heard on the job
The bosun was walking the deck with a colt in his hand, making sure the men jumped to the braces.
Also heard as
- starter