MOUSING (2)

Mous″ing, n. 1. 1. The act of hunting mice.
2. 2. (Naut.) A turn or lashing of spun yarn or small stuff, or a metallic clasp or fastening, uniting the point and shank of a hook to prevent its unhooking or straighening out.
3. 3. A ratchet movement in a loom.
Mousing hook, a hook with an attachment which prevents its unhooking.