n. [ From F. hausser to lift, raise (cf. OF. hausserée towpath, towing, F. haussière hawser), LL. altiare, fr. L. altus high. See Haughty. ] A large rope made of three strands each containing many yarns. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ Three hawsers twisted together make a cable; but it nautical usage the distinction between cable and hawser is often one of size rather than of manufacture. [ 1913 Webster ]
Hawser iron,
a. Made in the manner of a hawser. Cf. Cable-laid, and see Illust. of Cordage. [ 1913 Webster ]