·p.pr. & ·vb.n. of Chafe.
II. Chafing ·vt The act of rubbing, or wearing by friction; making by rubbing.
A name given by old sailors to the sheaves instead of blocks on the yards in light-rigged vessels. ...
The Sailor's Word-Book
Mats, sinnet, spun-yarn, strands, battens, scotchmen, and the like. ...