Whisker

noun

1. That part of the beard which grows upon the sides of the face, usually of the male, or upon the chin, or upon both.
2. A hair of the beard.
3. One of the long, projecting hairs growing at the sides of the mouth of a cat, or other animal.
4. The (very small) distance between two things.

   "It missed falling on your foot by a whisker."

5. Spreaders from the bows to spread the bowsprit shrouds.