1. A strap or device attached to a horse's harness that prevents the animal from raising its head too high.
Usage: equestrian; plural form of martingal
2. In nautical contexts, a rope or spar extending downward from the bow of a ship to steady the foremast.
Usage: nautical; archaic or specialized
3. A betting system in which the stake is doubled after each loss, intended to recover losses with a single win.
Usage: gambling; also called martingale strategy

Examples

• The rider adjusted the martingals to keep the horse's head at the proper angle.
• Equestrian trainers often use martingals to improve a horse's posture during training.
• The ship's martingals helped stabilize the mast during rough seas.
• Some gamblers employ martingals as a betting strategy, though it carries significant risk.
• The leather martingals on the horse's bridle were worn and needed replacement.