a small hole made in the bolt-rope of a sail, by intertwining one of the divisions of a rope, called a strand, alternately round itself and through the strands of the bolt-rope, till it becomes threefold, and assumes the shape of a wreath or ring. The use of the cringle is generally to contain the end of some rope, which is fastened thereto for the purpose of drawing up the sail to its yard, or of extending the skirts by the means of bridles, to stand upon a side wind.

The word seems to be derived from krincelen (Belg.) "to run into twists."