rig1

 
Pronunciation: /rɪg/

verb (rigs, rigging, rigged)

  • 1 [with object] provide (a sailing boat) with sails and rigging: the catamaran will be rigged as a ketch (as adjective, in combination -rigged) a gaff-rigged cutter
  • assemble and adjust (the equipment of a sailing boat, aircraft, etc.) in readiness for operation: most sails are kept ready rigged
  • 2set up (equipment or a device or structure), typically in a makeshift or hasty way: he had rigged up a sort of tent [with object and infinitive]: the power plant of the lifeboat had been rigged to explode
  • 3provide (someone) with clothes of a particular type: a cavalry regiment rigged out in green and gold

noun

  • 1the particular way in which a sailing boat’s masts, sails, and rigging are arranged: a ketch rig
  • the sail, mast, and boom of a windsurfer: the stronger the wind, the later you release the rig
  • 2a device or piece of equipment designed for a particular purpose: a lighting rig
  • an oil rig or drilling rig: the North Sea rigs
  • (in CB and short-wave radio) a transmitter and receiver: the CB rig in the car was on channel 20
  • a set of amplifiers and speakers used by a live band or a DJ in a club.
  • a particular type of construction for fishing tackle that bears the bait and hook: the set-up with the smaller hook is free of lead and known as a free-line rig
  • 3a person’s costume, outfit, or style of dress: the rig of the American Army Air Corps
  • 4chiefly North American & Australian/NZ a truck.

Phrases

(in) full rig

informal (wearing) smart or ceremonial clothes.

Origin:

late 15th century (in nautical use): perhaps of Scandinavian origin: compare with Norwegian rigga 'bind or wrap up'. The noun dates from the early 19th century