Splice the mainbrace

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Meaning

Issue or take a celebratory alcoholic drink, especially under naval authority. Naval and celebratory. Historically it authorized a ration rather than telling sailors to repair rigging at that moment. Regional use: Royal Navy and Commonwealth naval tradition; later general British use.

Origin

A main brace was important running rigging and splicing it after battle was difficult work. In Royal Navy tradition, the order came to authorize an extra rum ration after victory, a royal occasion or another exceptional event. The literal repair helps explain the wording, while the ceremonial drinks order became a distinct institution that survived the end of the daily rum ration.

Research Sources

  1. Splice the Mainbrace National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy
  2. Royal Navy sends Jubilee tribute to The Queen from around the globe Royal Navy

Usage Examples

  • When the armistice signal arrived, the captain ordered the hands to splice the mainbrace.
  • The reunion ended with a modest attempt to splice the mainbrace.
  • At sunset the veteran proposed that they splice the mainbrace in memory of the old crew.

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