hawse

noun

1
a
: the part of a ship's bow that contains the hawseholes
b
2
: the distance between a ship's bow and her anchor

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English halse, from Old Norse hals neck, hawse; akin to Old English heals, neck — more at collar

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hawse was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near hawse

Cite this Entry

“Hawse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hawse. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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