A large rope or cablet, which holds the middle degree between the cable and tow-line, being a size smaller than the former, and as much larger than the latter; curiously, it is not hawser but cable laid.
·noun A large rope made of three strands each containing many yarns. ...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
·adj Made in the manner of a hawser. ·cf. Cable-laid, and see ·Illust. of Cordage. ...
Is rope made in the usual way, being three or four strands of yarns laid up right-handed, or with th...
The Sailor's Word-Book
To haul a boat along underneath it, in order to clear it, if any part happens to be foul. To under-r...