ˈrōbə̇n, ˈräb-, -bənd noun
also rob·bin ˈräbə̇n ; or rope·band ˈrōpˌban(d)
( -s )
Etymology: roband probably from (assumed) Middle English roband, probably from Middle Dutch rabant, from ra sail yard + bant band, hoop (akin to Old High German bant fetter); robbin from Middle English robyn, probably alteration (influenced by Robin, nickname from the name Robert ) of (assumed) Middle English roband; ropeband by folk etymology from roband; Middle Dutch ra sail yard akin to Middle High German rahe pole, sail yard, Old Norse rā sail yard, Lithuanian réklės wooden frame for drying or smoking foods — more at band
: a small piece of spun yarn or marline used to fasten the head of a sail to a spar