Stream CABLE, a hawser or rope, something smaller than the bowers, and used to moor the ship in a river or haven, sheltered from the wind and sea, &c.
Serve or Plate the CABLE, is to bind it about with ropes, clouts, &c. to keep it from galling in the hawse.
To Splice a CABLE, is to make two pieces fast together, by working the several threads of the rope the one into the other.
Pay more CABLE, is to let more out of the ship. Pay cheap the Cable, is to hand it out apace. Veer more Cable, is to let more out, &c.
CABLE'S Length, a measure of 120 fathoms, or of the usual length of the cable.