Nautical Term: Heave away
Definition of Heave away
Heave away is a command given to sailors to haul on a rope or chain attached to a capstan or other heavy machinery on a ship. By working together and heaving away in unison, the sailors can turn the capstan and move heavy objects aboard the ship.
For example, during a voyage, the ship’s cargo needs to be securely stowed below deck. The sailors would receive the order to Heave away and work together to turn the capstan, which would, in turn, allow the sailors to move the heavy cargo towards its final resting place below deck.
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