A method of whaling (especially during poor weather conditions) in which a ship lies at anchor in a protective harbour or close to the shore, while smaller boats are sent out to search for whales and guide them to the ship.
Origin
Mid 19th century.
Definition of rock nosing in US English:
rock nosing
noun
historical
A method of whaling (especially during poor weather conditions) in which a ship lies at anchor in a protective harbour or close to the shore, while smaller boats are sent out to search for whales and guide them to the ship.