head gate

American  

noun

1. a control gate at the upstream end of a canal or lock.

2. a floodgate of a race, sluice, etc.

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head gate British  

noun

1. a gate that is used to control the flow of water at the upper end of a lock or conduit Compare tail gate

2. another name for floodgate

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Etymology

Origin of head gate

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

head gate

It considered putting in an automated head gate to better enable it to alter the flow.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 22, 2018

Whenever a head gate silted up, a cut was made around it.

From The New Yorker ● Apr. 27, 2015

A concrete head gate was installed at a feasible take-out point on the Crazy Loop.

From The Settling of the Sage by Evarts, Hal G. (Hal George)

Two men had dismounted by the head gate.

From The Settling of the Sage by Evarts, Hal G. (Hal George)

The water was gradually raised till it ran almost flush with the top of the head gate.

From The Settling of the Sage by Evarts, Hal G. (Hal George)