Passtain

Passtain is a term that can refer to a few different concepts, primarily within the context of sailing and boat handling. In its most common usage, it describes the action of letting out or easing a rope, such as a sheet or a halyard, to allow a sail to move or adjust its position. This is often done to control the sail's angle relative to the wind, which is crucial for optimizing speed and maneuverability. For example, a sailor might "passtain the jib sheet" to allow the sail to fly more freely when tacking.

Another related meaning of passtain involves the controlled release of tension on a rope, not necessarily for sail adjustment, but for other mechanical purposes. This could include lowering a weight or allowing a mechanism to move. The emphasis is on a gradual and controlled letting out of the rope, rather than a sudden release. This suggests a deliberate action to manage the forces involved.

In a broader, less common sense, "passtain" can sometimes be used informally to describe the act of allowing something to move or pass through, often in a situation where some resistance or control is being exerted. However, its primary and most established meaning remains tied to the nautical world and the manipulation of ropes.