crosshead

[ kraws-hed, kros- ]
/ ˈkrɔsˌhɛd, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

Printing. a title or heading filling a line or group of lines the full width of the column.
Machinery. a sliding member of a reciprocating engine for keeping the motion of the joint between a piston rod and a connecting rod in a straight line.
Nautical. a crosspiece on a rudderpost by which the rudder is turned.
Engineering, Building Trades. a transverse timber for transmitting the lifting effort of two or more jackscrews supporting it to the foot of a shore that it supports. Compare shore2(def 1).

Origin of crosshead

First recorded in 1835–45; cross- + head

Example sentences from the Web for cross-heads

British Dictionary definitions for cross-heads

crosshead
/ (ˈkrɒsˌhɛd) /

noun

printing a subsection or paragraph heading printed within the body of the text
a block or beam, usually restrained by sliding bearings in a reciprocating mechanism, esp the junction piece between the piston rod and connecting rod of an engine
nautical a bar fixed across the top of the rudder post to which the tiller is attached
a block, rod, or beam fixed at the head of any part of a mechanism