Hank

n. [Dan. hank, han-dle, hook, clasp; Sw. hank, a band or tie; Icel. hānk, cord; L. Ger. hank, handle.]

1Sense 1. A parcel consisting of two or more skeins of yarn or thread tied together.

Brande.

2Sense 2. A rope or latch for fastening a gate; a hold. [Prov. Eng.] “When the devil hath got such a hank over him.” Sanderson.

3Sense 3. (Naut.) One of the rings of wood, rope, or iron fixed on stays, to confine the sails when hoisted.

Totten.