martingale noun & verb. ['mɑ:tɪŋgeɪl] L16.
[French, in chausse à la martingale kind of hose fastening at the back, perh. from mod. Provençal marte(n)galo fem. of marte(n)gal inhabitant of Martigues in Provence.]
A. noun.
1. A strap or arrangement of straps fastened at one end to the noseband, bit, or reins of a horse and at the other to its girth, to prevent it from rearing or throwing back its head and to strengthen the action of the bit. L16.
Irish martingale, running martingale, standing martingale, etc.

2. Nautical. A stay which holds down the jib-boom of a square-rigged ship, running from the boom to the dolphin-striker (also martingale-stay); a dolphin-striker. Also, in a dinghy, a rope running from the boom to the foot of the mast, to prevent the boom from rising when it swings outwards. L18.

3. A gambling system in which a player who is losing repeatedly doubles the stake in the hope of eventual recoupment. E19.
b. verb.
1. verb intrans. Gamble according to a martingale. E19.

2. verb trans. Nautical. Secure with a martingale or guy. L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲