Splice the Main Brace?

Posted by James Briggs on December 04, 2000

In Reply to: 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

Certainly in long,long use in the Royal Navy. Probably from the issue of an extra ration of rum for those who managed the difficult task to actually 'splice the mainbrace', the brace attached to the main yard of sailing ships. The term is still in current use, although the braces are long gone on Navy ships.