"large rope used for mooring, towing, etc.," late 13c., from Anglo-French haucer, from Old French halcier, haucier, literally "hoister," from Vulgar Latin *altiare, alteration of Late Latin altare "make high," from altus "high" (from PIE root *al- (2) "to grow, nourish"). Altered in English on mistaken association with hawse and perhaps haul.