What is "cat-harping"

Cat-harping \Cat"-harp`ing\ n. (Naut.) 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. [1913 Webster] ||

n. (context nautical English) One of the short ropes or iron cramps used to brace in the shrouds toward the masts so as to give freer sweep to the yards.