head sea

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. a formation of waves running in a direction opposite to that of a vessel.

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head sea British  

noun

1. a sea in which the waves run directly against the course of a ship

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Etymology

Origin of head sea

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

head sea

On rough water days a slower throttle setting provided a dry and more comfortable speed in a head sea.

From Time Magazine Archive

In fact, we ran for a time at 2300 rpm, making 27 mph straight into the head sea, and the ride was very comfortable.

From Time Magazine Archive

One dip into a head sea and I was hanging onto the grabrail in the companion seat and praying for my foul-weather gear.

From Time Magazine Archive

Flint's prediction in regard to the weather seemed to be in the way of fulfilment, for the Bronx had been leaping mildly on a head sea for the last hour.

From On The Blockade by Optic, Oliver

These top-hampering structures over-burdened both ends and produced a regular see-saw, as the Spanish crew of 1893 found to their cost when pitching horribly through a buffeting head sea.

From All Afloat A Chronicle of Craft and Waterways by Wood, William Charles Henry