Mär'tin-gal or Mär'tin-gale, n.

n. [Fr. martingale, It. martingala, a sort of hose, Sp. martingala, a greave, cuish.]

1. (Man.) A strap fastened to a horse’s girth, passing between his fore legs, and ending in two rings, through which the reins pass. It is intended to hold down the head of the horse, and prevent him from rearing.
2. (Naut.) A short, perpendicular spar, under the bowsprit end, used for reeving the stays. Innes.