Dictionary

martingale

noun mar·tin·gale \ˈmär-tən-ˌgāl, -tiŋ-\

Definition of MARTINGALE

1
:  a device for steadying a horse's head or checking its upward movement that typically consists of a strap fastened to the girth, passing between the forelegs, and bifurcating to end in two rings through which the reins pass
2
a :  a lower stay of rope or chain for the jibboom used to sustain the strain of the forestays and fastened to or rove through the dolphin striker
b :  dolphin striker
3
:  any of several systems of betting in which a player increases the stake usually by doubling each time a bet is lost
ADVERTISEMENT

Illustration of MARTINGALE

Origin of MARTINGALE

Middle French
First Known Use: 1584

Browse

2 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: martiniPrevious Word in the Dictionary: martinetAll Words Near: martingale
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears