A thick strong mat of interlaced yarn or rope, used in any of various places on a ship to give protection from rubbing or chafing. Also: a wooden…

‘the stuff put upon the rigging and spars to prevent their being chafed’ (Smyth Sailor's Word-bk.).

a piece of matting used to protect parts of the rigging, etc., so called from the wooden ‘sword’ with which the fabric is beaten close in weaving.

(see quot.).