bur·ton (bûr′tn) n. Nautical A light tackle having double or single blocks, used to hoist or tighten rigging. [Origin unknown.] burton (ˈbɜːtən) n 1. (Nautical Terms) nautical a kind of light hoisting tackle 2. go for a burton slang a. to be broken, useless, or lost b. to die [C15: of uncertain origin] Burton (ˈbɜːtən) n 1. (Biography) Sir …