/bek"it/ , n. Naut.
1. a short length of rope for securing spars, coils of rope, etc., having an eye at one end and a thick knot or a toggle at the other, which is passed through the eye.
2. a grommet of rope, as one used as a handle or oarlock.
3. a grommet or eye on a block to which the standing end of a fall can be secured.
4. a wooden cleat or hook secured to the shrouds of a sailing vessel to hold tacks and sheets not in use.
[ 1760-70; orig. uncert. ]