sheave

Upon this sheave, a smaller horizontal pulley x′ rubs, whose upper face is covered with leather to increase the friction.

The water was smooth as oil, and so still that not a creaking rope or rattling sheave disturbed the deathlike silence.

Opening my eyes, I thrust at the opening of the sheave with the end of the line; but it was knotted, and would not go through.

Unfortunately the halliards had somehow got jammed aloft in the sheave, and the sail would not come down.

I could see men moving about; I could hear the creaking of the blocks, as the light roll drew a rope over a sheave.