drogue parachute

drogue parachute
    n 1: a small parachute that pulls the main parachute from its
         storage pack
    2: a parachute used to decelerate an object that is moving
       rapidly [syn: {drogue}, {drogue chute}, {drogue parachute}]
    

parachute \par"a*chute\, v. i.
   TO descend to th ground from an airplane or other high place
   using a parachute; as, when the plane stalled, he parachuted
   safely to the ground.
   [PJC]

   {golden parachute} a generous set of financial benefits,
      including severance pay, provided by contract to a
      high-level corporate employee in the event s/he is
      dismissed or his/her job is lost in a corporate takeover
      or merger; also, the contract providing for such benefits.
      

   {drogue parachute} a small parachute that is first released
      and opened in order to more reliably deploy a larger
      parachute. Also called {drogue}.
      [PJC] parachuter