Dictionary entry

Leech (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Leech, n. [Cf. LG. leik, Icel. līk, Sw. lik boltrope, stående liken the leeches.] (Naut.) The border or edge at the side of a sail. [Written also leach.]

Leech line, a line attached to the leech ropes of sails, passing up through blocks on the yards, to haul the leeches by. Totten.Leech rope, that part of the boltrope to which the side of a sail is sewed.