hawsepipe

[ hawz-pahyp, haws- ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. an iron or steel pipe in the stem or bow of a vessel through which an anchor cable passes.

hawsepipe

/ ˈhɔːzˌpaɪp /

noun

1. nautical a strong metal pipe through which an anchor rope passes Often shortened tohawse

Word History and Origins

Origin of hawsepipe¹

First recorded in 1860–65; hawse + pipe ¹

Example Sentences

With a rush and a roar the stout hempen cable ran through the hawsepipe, the vessel snubbed, swung round, and the next moment the cable parted as if made of pack thread.

From Project Gutenberg

The fo'lk'sle, too, from the fact of the cable running through it, was like a neglected sewer, the blocks of foul-smelling mud dropping continually from the links as they came in through the hawsepipes.

From Project Gutenberg

His progression up the ranks is known in the trade as “coming up through the hawsepipe,” an allusion to the opening that a ship’s anchor chain passes through.

From New York Times

The No. 5 heaved anchor, the chain clanking and chattering in a hawsepipe.

From Project Gutenberg

With a hammer he knocked out the stopper; the starboard anchor dropped and the red rust flew from her hawsepipe as the anchor chain screamed through it.

From Project Gutenberg