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.

---

knighthead British  

/ ˈnaɪtˌhɛd /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of knighthead

First recorded in 1705–15; knight + head

Example Sentences

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

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