Hawsing

/ˈhɔːzɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The act of arranging or adjusting a ship's anchor cables through the hawsehole, or managing the hawse system.

Etymology

Present participle of 'hawse,' formed by adding '-ing' to create the gerund form describing ongoing maritime activity.

Kelly Says

Hawsing was an art form—experienced sailors could look at how a ship was hawsing and instantly know if it was in danger, because improper hawsing meant it could drag anchor!

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