Definition of the word carabiner

The word "carabiner" originated in the French Alps during the late 19th century. It is derived from two French words: "carabine," which means rifle, and "guiRE," which refers to a device used to pull or hoist heavy objects. Originally, carabiners were designed as rifle clips for French troops stationed in the Alps. These clips, made of bent wire, held the soldiers' rifles to their packs, allowing them to be carried more easily during their missions. When climbers started using the Alps for alpine climbing in the late 19th century, they adapted the rifle clips for their own purposes. They saw the advantages of using these clips as ascenders, which allowed them to climb vertical rockfaces and ice falls. The bent shape of the clips also made it easy to screw them into the rock, providing a secure anchor point. The French climbers who adopted these modified rifle clips gave them the name "carabine à guid," which translates to "carabine hoist." The word was eventually shortened to "carabiner" in English, and it became universally recognized as a key piece of climbing equipment essential for rock, ice, and mountain climbing. Today, carabiners come in various shapes and sizes to cater to various climbing disciplines and climbing styles.