cathead

American  

[kat-hed] / ˈkætˌhɛd /

noun

Nautical.

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

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cathead British  

/ ˈkætˌhɛd /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of cathead

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

Example Sentences

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

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

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

This time he struck the ship just under the weather cathead.

From South American Fights and Fighters And Other Tales of Adventure by Brady, Cyrus Townsend

Two stately Indiamen lay out on the river below, almost flank by flank; and, as it happened, the farther one was at that moment weighing her anchor, indeed had it tripped on the cathead.

From Hetty Wesley by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir