futtock

Meaning

Noun

• Any of the curved rib-like timbers that form the frame of a wooden ship.

Origin

• From Middle English futtek, votek, of uncertain origin; perhaps a compound of Old English fōt + ang, or fut + -uc (foot hook or foot -ock), Old Dutch vot or fuot + hoek; or from timber jargon word butt + -ock. Alternatively from Middle Dutch voetkijn, diminutive of voet, equivalent to foot + -kin; or Old English *fōtuc, meaning foot + -ock.
• Perhaps came into Old English from Old Norse fótr, or fett / futt (big); + ek (timbr), or øks; giving Old Norse fót'ek, futtek or futtøks; equivalent Norwegian is fot haki, fett eik (tømmer), or fett øks; meaning foot hook, big oak (timber) , or bold axe.