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

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

The lieutenant of the watch, Smith, and I had it all to ourselves; unbroken, save for the half-hourly call of the lookouts: "Starboard cathead!"

From From Sail to Steam, Recollections of Naval Life by Mahan, A. T. (Alfred Thayer)

Having no pilot on board, two midshipmen were stationed at each cathead to look out.

From How Britannia Came to Rule the Waves Updated to 1900 by Kingston, William Henry Giles

He stood on the great anchor cathead, his shirt open to the middle, and his face shining like the sun.

From Rewards and Fairies by Kipling, Rudyard