foreganger

noun2

1. •
   A short rope grafted on a harpoon, to which a longer line may be attached.

   • The foreganger is most commonly formed of white or untarred rope , which is stronger and more flexible than tarred rope , consequently more easily extended when the harpoon is thrown — 1820
2. •
   (no longer used, rare) One who or that which goes before; a forerunner; a harbinger; a predecessor.