hawse
/hɔ:z/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The hole in the bow of a ship through which an anchor cable passes: A hawse is specifically the opening or hole in the hull of a ship, near the bow, designed for the anchor rope or chain (the anchor cable) to pass through.
- The part of a ship's bow containing such holes: By extension, "hawse" can refer to the general area of the ship's bow where these holes are located.
- The arrangement or position of a ship's anchor cables when moored: In a nautical context, "hawse" can describe the situation or configuration of the anchor cables when a ship is anchored, particularly the angle or space between them.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The thick anchor chain rattled loudly as it passed through the hawse.
- The old ship's hawse was reinforced with iron to prevent wear from the cable.
- The captain ordered the crew to check the hawse for any blockages before dropping anchor.
Advanced Usage
"To clear the hawse": A nautical phrase meaning to untangle the anchor cables. It can also be used figuratively to mean to resolve a complicated situation or misunderstanding.
- It took the sailors hours to clear the hawse after the storm.
- The two departments had a meeting to clear the hawse and improve communication.
"Hawse hole": A more specific term for the opening itself.
- The design of the hawse hole prevents seawater from flooding the deck.
"Hawse pipe": The tube or conduit that lines the hawse hole and guides the anchor cable.
- The anchor chain is stored in the chain locker and runs out through the hawse pipe.
Variants and Related Words
- Hawser (n): A thick rope or cable used for mooring or towing a ship. While related in a maritime context, a hawser is the rope itself, not the hole it passes through.
- They used a strong hawser to tow the disabled vessel.
Synonyms
- Anchor hole: A simple, descriptive synonym.
- Cable hole: Another descriptive term focusing on the cable's function.
Related Phrases (Nautical Terminology)
"Foul hawse": Describes a situation where the anchor cables are twisted or tangled.
- The strong currents caused a foul hawse, requiring immediate attention.
"Open hawse": Describes a clear, untangled arrangement of the anchor cables.
- With an open hawse, the ship was ready to weigh anchor quickly.
Noun
- the hole that an anchor rope passes through