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Webster 1913 Edition

(-ĭngz)

Noun.

pl.

(Naut.)

The fore parts of the wales, which encompass the bow of a vessel, and are fastened to the stem.

[Written also

harpins

Totten.

harpings ‎(uncountable)

(nautical) The front part of the wales of a vessel, around the bow and fastened to the stem; used to provide protection from the seas.