A rope attached to the head or bow of a boat, used for mooring or towing.
From 'head' (the bow or front of a ship) and 'rope' (cord, from Old English 'rap'). This nautical term developed as sailing became standardized.
A headrope was essential for survival—if the anchor line broke or a ship was being towed, the headrope could mean the difference between safety and running aground on rocks.
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