The Collaborative International Dictionary
Catfall
Catfall \Cat"fall`\, n. (Naut.)
A rope used in hoisting the anchor to the cathead.
--Totten.
Wiktionary
catfall
n. (context nautical English) A rope used in hoisting the anchor to the cathead.
Usage examples of "catfall".
His feet hit metal, and he crouched, turned, and pushed off, a not-quite-perfect catfall for a not-altogether-pressing emergency.
As was due to his greater experience and his rank, Catfall was the principal speaker among those who lined the heel of the bowsprit.