bower-cable
Definition
- Noun:
- A specific type of cable used in maritime contexts: "bower-cable" refers to the heavy rope or chain that attaches a ship's bower anchor to the vessel. The bower anchor is one of the primary anchors carried at the bow (front) of a ship.
Usage Examples
- (The heavy cable connecting the main anchor to the ship was checked.)
- (A broken cable that holds the bow anchor can lead to loss of control.)
Advanced Usage
- "to pay out the bower-cable": to gradually release the cable when anchoring.
- The sailor paid out the bower-cable slowly to ensure the anchor held firmly. (The cable was let out carefully to secure the anchor.)
Variants and Related Words
Bower (n): an anchor carried at the bow of a ship.
- The ship's bower was deployed to keep it steady in the harbour. (The main bow anchor was used.)
Cable (n): a strong, thick rope or chain, often used for anchoring or towing.
- The cable connecting the tugboat was made of steel. (A heavy-duty rope.)
Synonyms
- Anchor chain: the chain specifically used for an anchor.
- Hawser: a thick rope or cable used for mooring or towing (though not exclusively for bow anchors).
Related Idioms
- "to cut the bower-cable": a metaphorical phrase meaning to sever a crucial connection or to abandon a position suddenly.
- The company cut the bower-cable on the failing project, ending all support. (They decisively terminated the project.)