Catharpin

Catharpin is a nautical term, which is often pronounced cat-harping. It describes one of the short ropes or iron clamps used to brace in the shrouds toward the masts so as to give a freer sweep to the yards. It is also the name of a small, few-store settlement in Virginia, north of Manassas battlefield.

References

• Lever, D (1998). The Young Sea Officer's Sheet Anchor, Dover Maritime Books, p.25.