The word "hawse" is spelled with the letters H-A-W-S-E. It is pronounced /hɔːz/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with a long "o" sound and a soft "s" at the end. It is a nautical term that refers to the opening in the bow of a ship where the anchor chain passes through. The spelling of "hawse" may be confusing as it is not a commonly used word, but it is important to know its correct spelling and pronunciation for those working on or interested in maritime activities.
Hawse is a nautical term with various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Primarily, hawse refers to the part of a ship's bow where the anchor cables pass through in order to secure the anchor. It is a term commonly used in the field of maritime navigation and shipbuilding.
In the strictest sense, hawse is the cylindrical gap or opening located on the ship's bow, typically called the hawsehole, which is specially designed to allow the anchor chain or cable to pass in and out when lowering or raising the anchor. This opening is usually fitted with a special device called a hawsepipe, which provides additional protection and a smooth pathway for the anchor chain.
However, the term hawse can also refer more broadly to the entire area of the ship's bow where the anchor gear is located, encompassing the hawsehole as well as other components such as the hawse timber, hawse piece, or hawse iron. These additional elements are responsible for providing structural support and reinforcement to the hawsehole, ensuring its durability and functionality.
Furthermore, hawse can also be used to describe the position or location of the anchor cables in relation to the bow of the ship. For instance, if the anchor cables are said to be "in the hawse," it means they are properly secured and arranged within the hawsehole and associated components.
Overall, hawse is a term primarily used within the maritime industry to describe the part of a ship's bow directly involved in the anchoring process, including the hawsehole and its associated elements.
The situation of a ship's cables when she has two anchors down-a foul hawse being when the cables cross each other or are twisted together; the part of the bows close to the cables.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word hawse is derived from the Middle English word halse, which came from the Old Norse word hals meaning neck or throat. In the nautical context, hawse refers to the part of a ship's bow where the anchor is stored when not in use. This term is used especially when referring to the aperture in the ship's side through which the anchor chain passes. The connection to the neck or throat relates to the shape of the hawse aperture, which is narrow and elongated, resembling a throat or neck. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, hawse.