In nautical terms, what is usually a line bent to itself?

A line bent to itself is commonly referred to as a knot. In nautical terminology, a knot serves various purposes, including securing two lines together, creating loops for attaching to objects, and forming hitches. Knots are essential in boating for tasks such as mooring, towing, and securing equipment.

In contrast, a twist involves the physical twisting of a line rather than bending it to create a self-hampering feature. A loop is a configuration that might be formed by a line but does not necessarily involve a self-tightening aspect as a knot does. A cable refers to a thick line typically used for anchoring or towing but does not imply the bending of the line to itself. Thus, the correct understanding of the term correlates closely with the properties and functions of knots in nautical practice.