HASP. A semicircular clamp turning in an eye-bolt in the stem-head of a sloop or boat, and fastened by a forelock in order to secure the bowsprit down to the bows. (See [Span-shackle].)
HASTAN. The Manx or Erse term for a large eel or conger.
HASTY-PUDDING. A batter made of flour or oatmeal stirred in boiling water, and eaten with treacle or sugar at sea. This dish is not altogether to be despised in need, although Lord Dorset—the sailor poet—speaks of it disparagingly:
"Sure hasty-pudding is thy chiefest dish,
With bullock's liver, or some stinking fish."
HATCH. A half-door. A contrivance for trapping salmon. (See [Heck].)
HATCH-BARS. To secure the hatches; are padlocked and sealed.
HATCH-BOAT. A sort of small vessel known as a pilot-boat, having a deck composed almost entirely of hatches.
HATCH-DECK. Gun brigs had hatches instead of lower decks.
HATCHELLING. The combing and preparing hemp for rope-making.
HATCHES. Flood-gates set in a river to stop the current of water. Also, coverings of grating, or close hatches to seal the holds.—To lie under hatches, stowed in the hold. Terms used figuratively for being in distress and death.