[fair-leed] 
| 1. | a pulley, thimble, etc., used to guide a rope forming part of the rigging of a ship, crane, etc., in such a way as to prevent chafing. |
| 2. | Machinery. (on power shovels or cranes) a swiveling mounting for sheaves, over which cables pass. |
| fair·lead (fâr'lēd') n. Nautical A device such as a ring or block of wood with a hole in it through which rigging is passed to hold it in place or prevent it from snagging or chafing. |
