10 Nautical Tattoos And Their Meanings

Seen in Master and Commander when they are performing surgery on an elderly sailor, these words were traditionally tattooed across the knuckles, so that the man in question would be less likely to drop ropes or let them slip through his hand. Obviously more relevant before the advent of the boiler, there was a time when a slipped rope was likely to not only cause a time delay but could lead to timber, canvas and rope falling or swinging where it wasn't meant to and causing injury or death.

In the modern era, hand tattooing has become more prevalent, but most shops will not do constantly visible areas such as necks or hands without good reason or substantial previous coverage. The location of this ink was key at the time because even seeing the written reminder could have (theoretically) led to men keeping a firmer grasp or keeping them mindful of the consequences should they let go.

But that being said, given the fact that "Hold Fast" is one of the traditional Clan Macleod mottos, this nautical writer may have these exact words tattooed across his chest (in addition to three others on this list.)