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.