rigging
UK[ˈrɪɡɪŋ]US[ˈrɪɡɪŋ]
n
The system of ropes, chains, and other gear used to support and control the masts, sails, and yards of a sailing vessel.
n
The action of setting up or installing equipment or structures, especially in a makeshift or dishonest way.
Morpheme Breakdown
rig
ing
rig
to fit out
ing
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'rigging' originates from the nautical verb 'rig', which entered English in the 15th century, likely from a Scandinavian source akin to the Old Norse rigga, meaning "to bind or wrap up." This root sense of fitting out a ship with ropes and gear gave rise to the noun 'rigging', which specifically denotes the system of ropes and tackle. The term's logic evolved from the literal action of preparing a vessel for sail to the abstract noun for the entire apparatus itself. Later, the concept of "setting up" extended metaphorically to describe the dishonest manipulation of a system or event.
Analysis
Structure: rig (to fit out) + ing (noun suffix)
rig (sense: to fit out, equip): Likely of Scandinavian origin (e.g., Old Norse rigga "to bind, wrap"); functions as a verb root.
ing (sense: noun suffix): From Old English -ung, -ing, forming nouns of action or result.
Examples
The sailors climbed aloft to check the rigging before the storm.
The investigation uncovered a sophisticated rigging of the bidding process.
Political opponents accused the party of election rigging.