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

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

At this moment it was secured to the cathead, and before the brute could get free it was hoisted on deck.

From Dick Cheveley His Adventures and Misadventures by William H. C. Groome

I was straining my sight near the cathead on one side, and the captain of the forecastle on the other, but we could discover nothing in the nearly palpable obscure.

From Rattlin the Reefer by Frederick Marryat

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 William Henry Giles Kingston

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---