mousing

n. 1. The act of hunting mice. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Naut.) A turn or lashing of spun yarn or small stuff, or a metallic clasp or fastening, uniting the point and shank of a hook to prevent its unhooking or straighening out. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A ratchet movement in a loom. [ 1913 Webster ]

Mousing hook, a hook with an attachment which prevents its unhooking. [ 1913 Webster ]