cat-harpings

"Well, there is a jolly row on board now, anyhow," added Wilton, as he prepared to descend over the cat-harpings.

Outward Bound Or, Young America Afloat Oliver Optic 1859

At this order thirty of the young tars ran up the shrouds, over the cat-harpings, and up the rigging, till they reached the fore, main, and mizzen topsail yards.

Outward Bound Or, Young America Afloat Oliver Optic 1859

Little rose from his seat in the main-top, and looked over to see that no inquisitive person was concealed on the cat-harpings.

Down the Rhine Young America in Germany Oliver Optic 1859

The midshipman told me these were called the cat-harpings, because they were so difficult to climb, that a cat would expostulate if ordered to go out by them.

Peter Simple; and, The Three Cutters, Vol. 1-2 Frederick Marryat 1820

The midshipman told me these were called the cat-harpings, because they were so difficult to climb, that a cat would expostulate if ordered to go out by them.

Peter Simple Frederick Marryat 1820

The tops of all the two-decked ships are as plainly to be seen, as if the air were without a particle of vapour, while all below the cat-harpings is hid in a cloud as thick as the smoke of battle.

The Two Admirals James Fenimore Cooper 1820