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Glite Dictionary
hawsepipe

hawsepipe

9.9
A hole in a ship's deck or hull that lets the anchor chain pass through
  • noun
  • /ˈhɔːsˌpaɪp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tubo de ancla
  • Years of saltwater exposure had rusted the old ship's hawsepipe.

Examples

  • The hawsepipe allows the anchor chain to pass through the hull.

  • Each ship has a hawsepipe for securing the anchor.

  • Maintenance included cleaning the hawsepipe to prevent buildup of debris around the anchor chain.

  • The crew inspected the hawsepipe to make sure there were no obstructions before lowering the anchor.

  • The ship's hawsepipe allows the anchor chain to pass through the hull safely.

  • Before raising the anchor, ensure the hawsepipe is clear of debris.

  • He inspected the hawsepipe to make sure it was not damaged by the rough seas.

Synonyms

hawse
vshawsepipe
  • Specialized
1 9.9

An opening at the front of a ship where the anchor chain passes

is broader also applying to holes in decks or hulls
hawsehole
vshawsepipe
  • Specialized
9.9

A hole near the front of a ship that lets an anchor rope or chain pass

is used for holes in deck or hull as well as the bow

How Wide

hawsepipe
  • Specialized
9.9
hawsehole
  • Specialized
9.9
pinhole
9 4.3

Surface Forms

hawsepipe singular
hawsepipes plural

Morphology

hawsepipe = hawse + pipe (semi-transparent) = hawse + pipe

Both components are real English words, but 'hawse' is a specialized nautical term unfamiliar to most learners, so the compound's meaning requires maritime knowledge.

Etymology

Hawsepipe is made of two parts: hawse, an old word for the ship's 'neck' or front, and pipe, meaning a 'tube'. So a hawsepipe is the tube in the ship's 'neck' where the anchor chain passes.