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definitions

cathead

[kat-hed]
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noun Nautical.

a projecting timber or metal beam to which an anchor is hoisted and secured.

Origin of cathead

First recorded in 1620–30; cat + head
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cathead

Historical Examples of cathead

  • "They're in the pantry," said Sube as he started to follow Cathead down the stairs.

    Sube Cane

    Edward Bellamy Partridge

  • As Cathead reached the bottom of the stairs, Sube dived under the bed.

    Sube Cane

    Edward Bellamy Partridge

  • Not that he was afraid Cathead would tell; he had no thought of that.

    Sube Cane

    Edward Bellamy Partridge

  • "You ain't told me what you're all dressed up for," Cathead reminded him presently.

    Sube Cane

    Edward Bellamy Partridge

  • Sube was still gazing at the banknote when Cathead came out of the house.

    Sube Cane

    Edward Bellamy Partridge

British Dictionary definitions for cathead

cathead

noun

a fitting at the bow of a vessel for securing the anchor when raised
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012