The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Hawser \Haws"er\ (h[add]z"[~e]r or h[add]s"[~e]r), n. [From F.
   hausser to lift, 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.
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   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.
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   Hawser iron, a calking iron.
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