# Burton

/ˈbɝtən/ (US) · /bˈɜːtən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/burton
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. nautical pulley system

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

an old system of ropes and wheels used on ships to pull things tight or lift heavy weights.

For teachers: a small tackle or system of blocks and pulleys used specifically for tightening rigging or shifting heavy weights on a sailing vessel.

- The sailors used a burton to pull the heavy ropes tight against the mast.
- The boatswain ordered the crew to rig a Spanish burton to provide the necessary mechanical advantage for hoisting the spare anchor.

Usage: Usually refers to a 'Spanish burton' in historical maritime contexts.

Teaching tip: This term is extremely rare and only appears in historical maritime literature; modern learners will likely never encounter it outside of specialized nautical history.

### 2. cargo storage

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

a way of packing boxes or goods across a ship from one side to the other.

For teachers: the method of stowing cargo athwartships, or across the breadth of the vessel, rather than fore and aft.

- The cargo was placed in a burton to make sure it did not move during the storm.
- Properly stowing the casks in a burton ensured that the weight was distributed evenly across the hold, preventing the load from shifting in heavy seas.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'stowed in a burton'.

Teaching tip: Like the pulley sense, this is restricted to 18th and 19th-century naval contexts.

## Examples

- The sailors used a burton to lift the heavy cargo.
- To secure the mast during the storm, the crew rigged a burton to provide extra tension to the stays.
- The boatswain ordered the men to set up a burton to hoist the spare anchor from the hold before the vessel reached the harbor.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.