The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Earing \Ear"ing\, n. (Naut.) (a) A line used to fasten the upper corners of a sail to the yard or gaff; -- also called head earing. (b) A line for hauling the reef cringle to the yard; -- also called reef earing. (c) A line fastening the corners of an awning to the rigging or stanchions. [1913 Webster]