knighthead

American  

[nahyt-hed] / ˈnaɪtˌhɛd /

noun

Nautical.

1. either of a pair of upright members flanking and securing the bowsprit of a ship at the bow, often used as mooring bitts; apostle.

2. a plate at the fore end of a topgallant forecastle, on an iron or steel sailing ship, through which a spike bowsprit passes.

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knighthead British  

/ ˈnaɪtˌhɛd /

noun

1. nautical either of a pair of vertical supports for each side of the bowsprit

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Etymology

Origin of knighthead

First recorded in 1705–15; knight + head

Example Sentences

There were no porpoises circling, as they often will, athwart the stem, but the lady who perched herself upon a knighthead seemed in no way disappointed.

From The League of the Leopard by Bindloss, Harold

It was called sometimes "the silent servant," sometimes "the knighthead."

From Dutch and English on the Hudson A Chronicle of Colonial New York by Goodwin, Maud Wilder