1. a rope or tackle used to haul down a sail, flag, or spar on a ship
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The crew used the downhaul to lower the mainsail quickly.
• He grabbed the downhaul and pulled the jib down before the storm hit.
• The downhaul snapped under the pressure of the strong winds.
• She secured the downhaul after bringing down the flag.
• The sailor checked that the downhaul was properly rigged before setting sail.