1. a device used to guide a rope or cable in a desired direction, typically consisting of a ring, block, or roller
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The sailor threaded the rope through the fairlead to prevent chafing.
• Each fairlead on the deck was positioned to guide the mooring lines smoothly.
• The yacht’s fairleads were made of polished bronze.
• He adjusted the fairlead to change the angle of the anchor line.
• The rope ran cleanly through the fairlead without binding.
• Modern fairleads often include rollers to reduce friction.