Hawsehole
Encyclopedia
Hawsehole is a nautical term for a small hole in the hull
of a ship through which hawser
s may be passed. Also known as a cat hole. In the British Navy, an officer who had served as a seaman before being promoted was said to have "come in through the hawsehole."
Hull (watercraft)
A hull is the watertight body of a ship or boat. Above the hull is the superstructure and/or deckhouse, where present. The line where the hull meets the water surface is called the waterline.The structure of the hull varies depending on the vessel type...
of a ship through which hawser
Hawser
Hawser is a nautical term for a thick cable or rope used in mooring or towing a ship. A hawser passes through a hawsehole, also known as a cat hole, located on the hawse....
s may be passed. Also known as a cat hole. In the British Navy, an officer who had served as a seaman before being promoted was said to have "come in through the hawsehole."