\Bow"line\, n. [Cf. D. boelijn, Icel. b["o]gl["i]na?,
Dan. bovline; properly the line attached to the shoulder or
side of the sail. See {Bow} (of a ship), and {Line}.] (Naut.)
A rope fastened near the middle of the leech or perpendicular
edge of the square sails, by subordinate ropes, called
bridles, and used to keep the weather edge of the sail tight
forward, when the ship is closehauled.
{Bowline bridles}, the ropes by which the bowline is fastened
   to the leech of the sail.
{Bowline knot}. See Illust. {under Knot}.
{On a bowline}, close-hauled or sailing close to the wind; --
   said of a ship.