martingale

/ˈmɑːrtɪŋɡeɪl/
noun
  1. A strap or set of straps that prevents a horse from throwing its head back or raising it too high.
    • A well-fitted martingale can help control a spirited horse during a jump.
    • The rider adjusted the martingale to keep the horse's head in the correct position.
    • The stable hand checked the martingale before the horse was led out for a lesson.
  2. A gambling strategy where the player doubles the bet after each loss, with the goal of recovering all previous losses with a single win.
    • He tried the martingale system at the roulette table, but quickly ran out of money.
    • Many gamblers are attracted to the martingale, but it does not guarantee long-term profit.
    • The martingale strategy is risky because a long losing streak can lead to huge bets.
  3. A type of sailing rig or a piece of rigging that steadies a bowsprit or a jib boom.
    • The sailor tightened the martingale to keep the bowsprit stable in the strong wind.
    • He learned how to rig the martingale during his first sailing lesson.
    • A broken martingale can cause the jib to flap dangerously.
Synonyms