Nettles \Net"tles\, n. pl. [See Knittle.]

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

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)