cathead

American  

[kat-hed] / ˈkætˌhɛd /

noun

Nautical.

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

---

cathead British  

/ ˈkætˌhɛd /

noun

1. a fitting at the bow of a vessel for securing the anchor when raised

---

Etymology

Origin of cathead

First recorded in 1620–30; cat ( def. ) + head

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cathead

Watson carried the deep-sea lead forward, and the other men followed, each with fakes of the line coiled in his hand—Collins on the cathead, Sandy in the fore chains, and Jensen in the main chains.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Her cathead biscuits were at least three inches in diameter and two inches thick.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Knowing exactly where to look, Leslie caught sight of her immediately over the lee cathead, the instant that he stepped out on deck.

From Dick Leslie's Luck A Story of Shipwreck and Adventure by Piffard, Harold

I exclaimed at the same moment, drawing back hastily and tumbling over the boatswain, who with Adams was now busy hauling inboard the tackle of the disengaged cathead stopper.

From Afloat at Last A Sailor Boy's Log of his Life at Sea by Overend, William Heysham

Hitherto the bow was cut straight across at the cathead, so as to form a vertical wall extending down to the level of the upper deck portsills, and formed of thin boarding and stanchions.

From Ancient and Modern Ships. Part 1. Wooden Sailing Ships by Holmes, George C. V.