A term given to a contrivance whereby a cask, etc. is raised or lowered without a crane or pulley tackle; it is formed by passing the middle of a rope round a post or ring, or under a boat's thwart; the two parts of the rope are then passed under the two quarters of the cask, bringing the two ends back again over it, which, being both hauled or slackened together, either raise or lower the barrel, etc, as may be required.