[ 'mα:tɪŋgeɪl ]
■ noun
1》 a strap or set of straps running from the noseband or reins to the girth of a horse, used to prevent the horse from raising its head too high.
2》 a gambling system that involves a continual doubling of the stakes.
Origin
C16: from Fr., from Sp. almártaga , from Arab. al-marta῾a 'the fastening', influenced by ~ , from Occitan martegal 'inhabitant of Martigues (in Provence)'.