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cathead

[ kat-hed ]

noun

, Nautical.
  1. a projecting timber or metal beam to which an anchor is hoisted and secured.


cathead

/ ˈkætˌhɛd /

noun

  1. a fitting at the bow of a vessel for securing the anchor when raised


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Word History and Origins

Origin of cathead1

First recorded in 1620–30; cat ( def ) + head

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Example Sentences

This time he struck the ship just under the weather cathead.

Having no pilot on board, two midshipmen were stationed at each cathead to look out.

His knees were lodged upon a stout rope, tightly stretched, and reaching from the heel of the bowsprit to a cathead.

Glad enough was I to hear the heavy plunge of one of the bowers, as it fell from the cathead into the water.

The whale crashed into the bows of the Essex, staving them completely in directly under the cathead.

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