hawse-hole

hawse-hole

A sailor inspects the hawse-hole on the ship's bow.

Definition

Noun: - A hole in the bow of a ship: A "hawse-hole" is an opening in the forward part of a ship's hull through which the anchor cable (chain or rope) passes. It is typically located on either side of the bow and is reinforced to withstand the friction and strain of the anchor line.

Usage Examples
  • (The cable was guided through the opening in the ship's bow.)
  • (Seawater entered through the anchor cable opening.)
  • (The opening was reinforced to reduce damage.)
Advanced Usage
  • "hawse-hole pipe": a short tube or pipe fitted into the hawse-hole to guide the anchor cable and protect the hull.
    • The hawse-hole pipe was corroded and needed replacement. (The protective tube around the opening was damaged.)
  • "hawse-hole plug": a wooden or metal stopper used to seal the hawse-hole when the anchor is not in use, preventing water ingress.
    • The crew inserted the hawse-hole plug to keep the deck dry. (They sealed the opening to block water.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Hawse (n): the area of a ship's bow where the hawse-holes are located; also refers to the part of the anchor cable that lies outside the hawse-hole.
    • The anchor chain ran through the hawse. (The cable passed through the bow opening.)
  • Hawsepipe (n): a pipe or tube that lines the hawse-hole.
    • The hawsepipe was made of cast iron to resist wear. (The metal tube inside the hawse-hole.)
  • Hawse-block (n): a block or fitting used to secure the anchor cable in the hawse-hole.
    • He attached the hawse-block to hold the chain in place. (The securing device on the opening.)
Synonyms
  • Anchor hole: a general term for an opening through which an anchor cable passes.
  • Cable hole: another term for the hawse-hole, emphasizing its function for the anchor cable.
Related Idioms
  • "to come home in the hawse-hole" (nautical slang): to return to port with the anchor cable still secured in the hawse-hole, implying a quick or unprepared departure.
    • The ship came home in the hawse-hole after the storm. (The vessel returned with the anchor cable still in place, indicating a hasty retreat.)

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