Splice the Main Brace?

Posted by Slothrop on December 04, 2000

Does anyone know the origin of the phrase "Time to splice the main brace". I've picked it up from some
boaters as an old Nautical term meaning to 'take the first drink of the day'. I've heard it used in "Mutiny
on the Bounty". I've even heard tell that the Queen of England Issues it as a command aboard the
Royal Yacht. Can anyone confirm this? Does it have another, older meaning?

thanks,
Slothrop

• Splice the Main Brace? James Briggs 12/04/00