sp. and pronunc. of ARSE.
c. 1860. H. Stuart, Seaman’s Catech., 37. The ass of the block is known by the scoring being deeper in that part to receive the splice.
[Cf. 1721. Bailey, Arse, (among sailors) the Arse of a Block or Pulley, through which any Rope runs, is the lower end of it.]
