HAWSEPIECE Meaning and
Definition
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A hawsepiece is a nautical term referring to a specific component of a ship's bow structure. It is a strong plate or timber that is fitted to the part of the ship's forward deck where the hawseholes are located. Hawseholes, also known as hawsepipes, are openings in the ship's bow through which the anchor cables pass.
The hawsepiece serves several purposes for a vessel. Firstly, it provides a solid foundation for the ship's hawseholes, ensuring that they are securely fastened in place. Additionally, it helps distribute the forces exerted by the anchor cables evenly to prevent damage to the deck structure. The hawsepiece serves as a reinforcement, absorbing the impact and resisting the strain when the anchor is dropped, particularly during rough weather conditions or when the ship is under significant tension.
Traditionally, hawsepieces were made from durable materials such as wood or iron, depending on the era and construction techniques. However, contemporary ships often utilize steel plates or other high-strength materials to withstand the demanding maritime environment.
In summary, a hawsepiece is a robust plate or timber fitted to a ship's forward deck, specifically where the hawseholes are situated. Its purpose is to provide stability and strength to the hawseholes while distributing the anchor cable's forces, thereby protecting the ship's bow structure.
Common Misspellings for HAWSEPIECE
- gawsepiece
- bawsepiece
- nawsepiece
- jawsepiece
- uawsepiece
- yawsepiece
- hzwsepiece
- hswsepiece
- hwwsepiece
- hqwsepiece
- haqsepiece
- haasepiece
- hassepiece
- haesepiece
- ha3sepiece
- ha2sepiece
- hawaepiece
- hawzepiece
- hawxepiece
- hawdepiece
Etymology of HAWSEPIECE
The word "hawsepiece" is derived from the combination of two nautical terms: "hawse" and "piece".
Firstly, "hawse" refers to the part of a ship's bow where the anchor cables pass through the hull. The term itself comes from the Old English word "hals", which means "neck" or "throat". It later evolved into the Middle English term "halse" or "halswes", referring to the opening or passage through which the anchor cables enter the ship.
Secondly, "piece" in this context refers to a structural component or a separate part of a larger mechanism. It comes from the Middle English term "piece" or "peece", which originally meant "a portion or part separated from a whole".
