(from Sax.), a range of large ropes extending from the mast-heads to the right and left side of the ship, to support the masts, and enable them to carry sail, &c.

The shrouds as well as the sails are denominated from the masts to which they belong. Thus they are the main, fore, and mizen shrouds; the main-top-mast, fore-top-mast, or mizen-top-mast shrouds; and the main-top-gallant, fore-top-gallant, or mizen-top-gallant shrouds. The number of shrouds by which a mast is sustained, as well as the size of rope of which they are formed, is always in proportion to the size of the mast and the weight of the sail it is intended to carry.

Bowfprit shrouds are those which support the bow-sprit. Bumkin shrouds are those which support the bumkins. Futtock shrouds are shrouds which connect the efforts of the topmast shrouds to the lower shrouds. Bentinck-shrouds are additional shrouds to support the masts in heavy gales. Preventer shrouds are similar to bentinck-shrouds, and are used in bad weather to ease the lower rigging. See Mast and Sail.