Posted by Jeremy Kriewaldt on November 02, 2000 at 23:48:21 from 203.27.30.240:
In Reply to: Re: SY Swallow and SY Amazon - rig. Peter Hyland don't read this posted by Dave W on November 02, 2000 at 20:27:59:
My not so venerable New Shorter OED has the verb as "put a mouse on (a stay); secure (a hook) with a mouse."
The definition of the noun that is relevant is "Any of various objects regarded as resembling a mouse in shape or appearance; spec (a) Naut. a small collar made with yarn round a wire or rope and intended to hold an eye etc. in place."
I hope this helps.