Which term describes a technique that prevents the bitter end of a line from unlaying?

The technique that prevents the bitter end of a line from unlaying is known as whipping. This method involves wrapping the end of a rope or line tightly with a smaller line or thread to ensure that it does not fray or unravel. Whipping is particularly essential in marine settings where ropes are frequently used and at risk of coming undone due to environmental conditions or handling.

In contrast, splicing is a different technique used to join two pieces of rope together by intertwining the strands, while coiling refers to the method of organizing a line in a circular shape for storage or transport. Flemishing denotes a specific way of coiling line to ensure it lays flat and does not tangle. These techniques serve different purposes, making whipping the correct choice for preventing unlaying.