Modes of tying the fronts of vessels (4)

I believe the answer is:

bows

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'fronts of vessels' is the definition.
'bows' can be an answer for 'fronts' (bow is a kind of front). I am not sure about the 'of vessels' bit.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bows that I've seen before include "some people play with" , "Knots with two loops" , "Bends, defers" , "foreparts" , "Acknowledges applause as actor does" .)

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