A strong tackle used to draw an anchor up to the cathead of a ship.

same as cat o' nine tails; as, British sailors feared the cat.

To bring to the cathead; as, to cat an anchor. See Anchor.

A multi-tailed whip in which the tails are braided.

a whip with nine knotted cords; "British sailors feared the cat"

beat with a cat-o'-nine-tails

1. To prepare an anchor, after raising it by lifting it with a tackle to the Cat Head, prior to securing (fishing)it alongside for sea. (An anchor raised to the Cat Head is said to be catted). 2. The Cat o' Nine Tails.

nine- tails n. An instrument consisting of nine pieces of cord, formerly used for flogging in the army and navy.

The tackle used to hoist the anchor up to the cat-head.

Cat o'nine tails: Whip with nine lines at the end, each containing three or more knots.

To raise an anchor. An anchor raise to the cathead is said to be catted.