SG Heritage Dictionary

Cat-harpin [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

Cat-harping [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

One of the short ropes or iron cramps used to brace in the shrouds toward the masts so a to give freer sweep to the yards.

Cat-harpings [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1828

Ropes serving to brace in the shrouds of the lower masts behind their respective yards, to tighten the shrouds and give more rom to draw in the yards, when the whip is close hauled.