knighthead

[ nahyt-hed ]
/ ˈnaɪtˌhɛd /

noun Nautical.

either of a pair of upright members flanking and securing the bowsprit of a ship at the bow, often used as mooring bitts; apostle.
a plate at the fore end of a topgallant forecastle, on an iron or steel sailing ship, through which a spike bowsprit passes.

Origin of knighthead

First recorded in 1705–15; knight + head

Words nearby knighthead

knight of the road, knight templar, knight, death and the devil, knight-errant, knight-errantry, knighthead, knighthood, knightly, knights hospitalers, knights hospitallers, knights of columbus

British Dictionary definitions for knighthead

knighthead
/ (ˈnaɪtˌhɛd) /

noun

nautical either of a pair of vertical supports for each side of the bowsprit

Word Origin for knighthead

C18: originally decorated with carvings of knights' heads