or abelwhackets, subs. (nautical: obsolete).—See quot. (GROSE).
1867. W. H. SMYTH, Sailor’s Word-Book, s.v. ABLE-WHACKETS. A popular sea game with cards, wherein the loser is beaten over the palms of the hands with a handkerchief tightly twisted like a rope. Very popular with horny-fisted sailors.
