Definition of "lead-line" [lead-line]

• The line attached to a sounding-lead, used in measuring the depth of water. See lead, 2. (noun)
• A heavy leaded or weighted line attached to the bottom of a net, as a seine, and used to sink it. (noun)
• In pathology, a bluish mark at the edge of the gums occurring in eases of lead-poisoning. (noun)
• In lumbering, a wire rope, with an eye at each end, used to anchor the snatch-block in setting a lead. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "And the sailor sounded with a long cord, which served him as a lead-line, and to which was fastened a lump of iron."
• "It could now be seen that one of the convicts held a lead-line in his hand, and that he wished to fathom the depth of the channel hollowed out by the current of the"
• "The man at the helm and the man with the lead-line fell backwards into the boat."