Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Nettles

Nettles , noun, plural

[See Knittle.]

(a)
(Nautical) The halves of yarns in the unlaid end of a rope twisted for pointing or grafting.
(b)
(Nautical) Small lines used to sling hammocks under the deck beams.
(c)
(Nautical) Reef points.