mar·tin·gale

(mär

tn-g

l

)
KEY
also
mar·tin·gal
(-g

l

)
KEY
NOUN:
- The strap of a horse's harness that connects the girth to the noseband and is designed to prevent the horse from throwing back its head.
-
Nautical
Any of several parts of standing rigging strengthening the bowsprit and jib boom against the force of the head stays.
-
Games
A method of gambling in which one doubles the stakes after each loss.
- A loose half belt or strap placed on the back of a garment, such as a coat or jacket.
ETYMOLOGY:
French, perhaps alteration of Spanish
almártaga, almártiga,
rein, harness,
perhaps of Arabic origin