Timmynoggy

I cannot suggest the derivation of this word, but in the form of Timmynoggy it was well-known all my time in the Navy, 1867-1886. Perhaps its best known application was used in connection with the lower studding-sail. In setting this sail it was hoistered clear of the hammock netting, rolled up and held by a strop and toggle, which was slipped as soon as the sail was clear of the ship—this strop and toggle was called the Timmynoggy. The name Timmynoggy was also applied to the various strop and toggle "gadgets" used in connection with upper yards and top-gallant masts to gain time in sail drill. C.C.G.

Timmynoggy: Otherwise Timonoguy—(originally an old sail-drill period term). Given to various strop and toggle gadgets on board ship, used in connection with the upper yards to save time in sail drill. Given to various strop and toggle gadgets on board ship, used in connection with the upper yards to save time in sail drill.

Graduates of the Naval Academy will find in this book many definitions which would have been of inestimable value to them during their "plebedom." In fact, the definition of "timmynoggy" would have saved the writer much mental and some physical exertion.

A term for almost any time- or labour-saving device: naval: ca 1850-95. Ex dial. ‘’timmynoggy’’, ‘a notched square piece of wood; used to support the lower end of the “vargood” or long spar serving as a bowline, itself ex dial. ‘’timmy’’, the stick or bat used in the game of rounders. cf. GADEGT

I wonder if we might here be dealing with yet another variant of the word timmynoggy. This was the name for a candle-holder of iron, and lacking a sliding-piece. But it also had several other nautical meanings in Cornwell. One of these seems especially relevant, since it refers to the notched piece of wood, against which the foot ...

There were local names for this rope roller; it was called the 'bulljowler' in St Ives and the 'timmynoggy' in parts of Mount's Bay.