from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Hawser \Haws"er\ (h[add]z"[~e]r or h[add]s"[~e]r), n. [From F.
hausser to lift, raise (cf. OF. hausser['e]e towpath, towing,
F. haussi[`e]re hawser), LL. altiare, fr. L. altus high. See
{Haughty}.]
A large rope made of three strands each containing many
yarns.
[1913 Webster]
Note: 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 calking iron.
[1913 Webster]