How Do You Spell MARTINGALE?

Pronunciation: [mˈɑːtɪŋɡˌe͡ɪl] (IPA)

The word "martingale" is spelled M-A-R-T-I-N-G-A-L-E. The phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈmɑːtɪŋɡeɪl/. The word refers to a type of strap or harness used on horses that attaches to the reins to prevent the horse from raising its head too high. It can also refer to a betting strategy in gambling. The origins of the word are French, with the first recorded use dating back to the 15th century. The spelling may seem unusual to English speakers, but it follows the typical French pronunciation.

MARTINGALE Meaning and Definition

1. A martingale refers to a type of strap or device commonly used in equestrian sports that is designed to control and direct the horse's head movement by exerting pressure on the horse's nose or chin. It derives its name from the French word "maret," which means a small strap or leash. The primary purpose of a martingale is to prevent a horse from raising or tossing its head excessively during riding or exerting excessive resistance on the bit.

   Typically made of leather or synthetic materials, a martingale consists of a strap that attaches to the girth or the breastplate of the horse's saddle and is divided into two parts. The first part, known as the running martingale, passes through the bit or reins, while the second part, called the neck strap, loops around the horse's neck vertically or diagonally. The martingale is adjusted to apply the desired amount of pressure on the horse's nose or chin, which encourages the horse to maintain a steady, comfortable head carriage and encourages proper balance and control.

   While martingales are primarily used in English riding disciplines, such as show jumping and dressage, there are different variations and styles, including standing martingales and running martingales, each suited for specific riding situations. It is important to note that martingales should be used and adjusted properly to prevent discomfort or harm to the horse, and their usage should be accompanied by proper training and conditioning to ensure the horse's overall health and well-being.

2. A strap passing from the nose-band of a horse, between the fore legs, to the girth; part of a ship's rigging.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MARTINGALE

• margingal
• maringal
• fartingale
• marringale
• martingal
• Mertingal
• Martinggle
• Martingalae
• maringals
• Martiemale
• Matinalle

Etymology of MARTINGALE

The word "martingale" has an interesting etymology. It originated from two different sources, leading to two distinct meanings.

1. Equestrian Equipment:

In the context of equestrian equipment, a martingale is a strap or device attached to a horse's reins in order to control the horse's head movements. This sense of "martingale" has an etymology derived from the Spanish word "mártingala". The Spanish term "mártingala" came from the Arabic word "martiga", meaning "restraint". It was a reference to the usage of similar strap-like devices in the Middle Ages.

2. Probability Theory:

In the field of mathematics and probability theory, a martingale is a sequence of random variables having specific mathematical properties. The term "martingale" in this sense has an etymology traced back to the French word "martingale".

Similar spelling words for MARTINGALE

• martynia,
• Martindelcamp,
• Martine,
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• mauritian,
• Martino,
• martinmas,
• martian,
• martindale,
• martines,
• Martin Luther,
• martinique,
• martinson,
• mauritanian,
• martin cline,
• martyniaceae,
• martinelli,
• Martinez,
• martini,
• Martins,
• martensen,
• martinek,
• Martin Buber,
• Martinie,
• mauritania,
• martone,
• martinet,
• martineau,
• mauritanie,
• martinsen,
• Martina,
• maritime.

Plural form of MARTINGALE is MARTINGALES