Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HANK, n. [Dan. hank, a handle, a hook, a tack, a clasp; Sw. hank, a band.]

1. A skain of thread; as much thread as is tied together; a tie.
2. In ships, a wooden ring fixed to a stay, to confine the stay-sails; used in the place of a grommet. Mar. Dict.
3. A rope or withy for fastening a gate. [Local.]