Definition

1. 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

1. the hole that an anchor rope passes through