hawser

From Middle English hauser, haucer, from Anglo-Norman haucer, from Vulgar Latin *altiāre (“to raise”), derived from Latin altus (“high”). Altered in English by mistaken association with hawse and perhaps haul. Compare French aussière, haussière.

• Rhymes: -ɔːzə(ɹ)

hawser (plural hawsers)

1. (nautical) A cable or heavy rope used to tow or moor a ship.
   • 1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, “The Ebb-tide Runs”, in Treasure Island, London; Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883, →OCLC, part V (My Sea Adventure), page 185:

     The hawser was as taut as a bowstring, and the current so strong she pulled upon her anchor. All around the hull, in the blackness, the rippling current bubbled and chattered like a little mountain stream.

   • 1888–1891, Herman Melville, “[Billy Budd, Foretopman.] Chapter chapter 26.”, in Billy Budd and Other Stories, London: John Lehmann, published 1951, →OCLC:

     A hatchet to my hawser? all adrift to go?

• Washer, rewash, washer, whares