throat-halyard

And when he has just published _The Cruise of the Cow_; or, _Seven Hours at Sea_, he will be seen with an intense expression tying a bowline on a bight or madly hauling on the throat-halyard -- at

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 159, October 27, 1920 Various 1898

"Why didn't you let go that throat-halyard?" said he, as he walked forward to where the young pilot stood.

Haste and Waste; Or, the Young Pilot of Lake Champlain. a Story for Young People Oliver Optic 1859

Lawry did not need any prompting to do his duty; but before he could let go the throat-halyard, the squall was upon the sloop.

Haste and Waste; Or, the Young Pilot of Lake Champlain. a Story for Young People Oliver Optic 1859

He had ordered the helm to be put up; and Watson had seized an axe, waiting his directions to cut away the mainmast, when the throat-halyard block parted, the peak-halyards had already been let go, and the mainsail coming in of itself, the vessel righted in an instant; then, feeling her helm, and the headsail being yet set, she flew off before the squall.

Salt Water The Sea Life and Adventures of Neil D'Arcy the Midshipman William Henry Giles Kingston 1847