mousing

American  

[mou-zing] / ˈmaʊ zɪŋ /

noun

Nautical.

1. a wrapping of several turns of small stuff around the shank end of a hook.

---

mousing British  

/ ˈmaʊzɪŋ /

noun

1. nautical a lashing, shackle, etc, for closing off a hook to prevent a load from slipping off

---

Etymology

Origin of mousing

First recorded in 1825–35; mouse + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

He was moved out of the department's central London building during the Covid pandemic and in 2020 he formally retired from his mousing duties.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2025

Typing and mousing for long periods is stressful for the finger and wrist muscles as well as the forearms.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2025

When mousing in snow, the fox's long snout also allows it to reach its prey earlier, as mice are very sensitive to movements in their environment and can quickly escape.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2024

If the DeskPad feels like overkill, try Logitech’s $19.99 Desk Mat, a soft-cloth mat with a nice mousing feel in an assortment of soft colors.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2023

It ain’t nowhere near’s sly nor quick as a cat; it ain’t no good at all at mousing nor catching holt of birds without a lot of help.

From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis