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| + | In nautical terms, '''rigging''' is a set of ropes, pulleys, and winches and the sails and spars to which they are attached. The rigging of a [[ship]] controls the release, position, and tautness of the sails which is what allowed propulsion prior to the advent of the [[steam engine]] and subsequent engine types including diesel and nuclear propelled ships. Today, though no modern navy uses sail-propulsion, many pleasure craft are sail driven, though often only by a mainsail and jib, whereas in the age of sail, ships could use dozens of sails to harness the wind. |
| | + | In theatrical terms, rigging is the backstage machinery that controls elements on and about the stage including lighting, [[sound]] and visual effects (such as smoke machines or moving stage pieces), and the ropes, winches, and pulleys that control the curtain and other elements. |
| | + | In political or competitive terms, rigging is the process of predetermining the outcome of an [[election]], competition or contest. Many feel that the recent post-election declaration of martial law in [[Pakistan]] prior to the ruling of the Pakistani Supreme Court on the validity of the election constitutes rigging. |