harpings

British  

/ ˈhɑːpɪŋz, ˈhɑːpɪnz /

plural noun

1. nautical wooden members used for strengthening the bow of a vessel

2. shipbuilding wooden supports used in construction

---

Etymology

Origin of harpings

C17: perhaps related to French harpe cramp iron

Example Sentences

Land-locked Oklahoma tired of his harpings long before he was transferred to the Ways & Means Committee.

From Time Magazine Archive

But even these harpings did not seem to damage the Couzens popularity in Michigan at first.

From Time Magazine Archive

He told Lenette so, but she thought this was only another of his harpings on the subject of the mourning dress.

From Flower, Fruit, and Thorn Pieces; or, the Wedded Life, Death, and Marriage of Firmian Stanislaus Siebenkaes, Parish Advocate in the Burgh of Kuhschnappel. by Jean Paul

But this term is mostly applicable to those at the bow; hence arises the phrase "clean and full harpings."

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

The Hall of Cynddylan is voiceless and still, The sound of its harpings hath died on the hill!

From The Poetry of Wales by Jenkins, John