Main Entry: hawse

Pronunciation: \ˈhȯz\

Function: noun

Etymology: alteration of Middle English halse, from Old Norse hals neck, hawse; akin to Old English heals, neck — more at collar

Date: 14th century

1 a : the part of a ship's bow that contains the hawseholes b : hawsehole
2 : the distance between a ship's bow and her anchor