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

In the strong head sea, the bow had a tendency to bounce, but trimming the motors smoothed the ride out considerably � optional electric trim tabs would have corrected this situation as well.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

We tacked ship three times in the course of the day, and made little progress against the head sea.

From The Cruise of the 'Alerte' The narrative of a search for treasure on the desert island of Trinidad by Knight, E. F. (Edward Frederick)