Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Hawser \Haws"er\, n. [From F. hausser to ?ft, 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.

   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.

   {Hawser iron}, a calking iron.