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

Twenty-three guns lay dismounted; her starboard quarter gallery had been carried away, and her best bower anchor with the starboard cathead was towing under her stem.

From True Blue by Kingston, William Henry Giles

He was sitting on the foot of a cathead, and was too weak to rise when the mate stood before him.

From The Honour of the Flag by Russell, W. Clark (William Clark)

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