Definition

The area on a ship where the anchor chains pass through the hull, or the space between the front of the ship and the anchor when it is dropped.

Example

The crew inspected the hawse to ensure the anchor was properly secured.

Conversation

Did you know that the hawse is an important part of a ship's structure?

Yeah, I heard it has to do with where the anchors are placed.

Exactly! It's fascinating how the hawse affects a ship's stability when anchored.

For sure! I love learning about all the different parts of ships.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'hawse' originates from Old English 'hals', meaning neck or throat. In nautical terms, it refers to the part of a ship's bow where the anchor chain passes through, resembling a neck.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'hawse' as relating to the 'neck' ('hals') of a ship, where the anchor chain goes through, just like a neck supports the head.

Visually Confused Words