- a rope suspended from the side of a vessel or a boom as an object to which other vessels can moor, or to afford a hold for persons in such vessels.
- a line sent out from a vessel to a fixed object or a buoy or anchor to help the vessel in warping.
- a line, in addition to the towrope, to steady a boat in tow.
- any line sent or trailed over the side of a vessel as a convenience for boats drawing alongside, as an aid in warping or towing, etc
