Haling

Haling refers to the act of towing or dragging something, typically a boat, along a surface. Historically, this was a common method for moving vessels along canals and rivers, especially where the water was too shallow or the currents too strong for sailing or rowing. Haling was often performed by humans or animals walking along the towpath adjacent to the waterway, pulling the boat with ropes. In some cases, mechanical devices or even steam power were later employed for haling. The term can also be used more broadly to describe any instance of pulling a heavy object with effort. This might include dragging furniture or other large items across a floor, or even the physical exertion of pulling oneself up a steep incline. The word "haling" is derived from the Old English word "hælan," meaning to drag or draw.