Amessenger line or justmessenger is relatively light cordage used to pull a heavier cable across a gap or through a tube or duct.[1][2] The term is also used for a line used to pull or lower a package along adownline orjackstay.[3]
Aheaving line is a rope with a weighted end which can be thrown relatively easily across a gap. If it is attached to a heavier line, warp, or chain and then used to pull the heavier line across the gap it is being used as a messenger line. The nameheaving line refers to the function ofpulling the line, andmessenger line to the function of transferring the object it is fastened to.
