head earing

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Earing \Ear"ing\, n. (Naut.)
   (a) A line used to fasten the upper corners of a sail to the
       yard or gaff; -- also called {head earing}.
   (b) A line for hauling the reef cringle to the yard; -- also
       called reef earing.
   (c) A line fastening the corners of an awning to the rigging
       or stanchions.
       [1913 Webster]