Cable Laid: In rope days on big ships, heavy lines, such as shrouds and hawsers, were usually made of three three-strand ropes, the cable being of opposite lay, or twist, to the components..."

From which we get "cable knit" sweaters. Not because they are knit like cables but because they look like cables running through the knit. This could be another strand for Of Troy's book. Just a strand, mind you.

I can assure you this book will be no one night strand. It will take a whole day to read it. :)