n. (Naut.) One of the short ropes or iron cramps used to brace in the shrouds toward the masts so a to give freer sweep to the yards. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Pertaining to the harp;
[ F. harper to grasp strongly. See Harpoon. ] A harpoon. Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. pl. (Naut.) The fore parts of the wales, which encompass the bow of a vessel, and are fastened to the stem.