deadeye

• Substantiv mit zwei Bedeutungen: Zum einen ein besonders treffsicherer Schütze, zum anderen im maritimen Bereich eine runde Holzscheibe mit Löchern und einer Rille am Rand, die zum Spannen der Wanten dient.

A noun with two distinct meanings: it can refer to an exceptionally accurate marksman, or, in nautical contexts, to a round hardwood disk with holes and a grooved perimeter used for tightening a shroud.

1. Expert marksmanB2informal

   A person who is exceptionally accurate when shooting a firearm or bow.

   Scharfschütze

   • The old hunter was a deadeye with his rifle.
   • She earned a reputation as a deadeye in the shooting competition.
   • The sniper, a true deadeye, hit the target from over a mile away.

   Synonymecrack shotmarksmansharpshootersniper

2. Nautical rigging componentC2formaltechnical

   A round, flat wooden block with holes and a grooved edge, used on sailing ships to tighten the shrouds (ropes supporting the mast).

   Jungfer

   • The sailor replaced the worn deadeye on the ship's rigging.
   • The deadeye and lanyard system is used to tension the standing rigging.
   • He carefully threaded the rope through the holes of the deadeye.