Definition of "hawser"

The hawser was as taut as a bowstring, and the current so strong she pulled upon her anchor. All around the hull, in the blackness, the rippling current bubbled and chattered like a little mountain stream.

1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, “The Ebb-tide Runs”, in Treasure Island, London, Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883, part V (My Sea Adventure), page 185

A hatchet to my hawser? all adrift to go?

1888–1891, Herman Melville, “[Billy Budd, Foretopman.] Chapter .”, in Billy Budd and Other Stories, London: John Lehmann, published 1951