n. A heavy piece of timber projecting from each side of the bow of a ship for holding anchors which were fitted with a stock in position for letting go or for securing after weighing.
n. Similar rigging on the outside of a building.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. A projecting piece of timber or iron near the bow of vessel, to which the anchor is hoisted and secured.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A large timber or heavyiron beam projecting from each bow of a ship, and having sheaves in its outer end.
n. In mining, a small capstan.
n. Nodular or ball ironstone.
Nautical, to attach to the cat-head.
n. An attachment to a lathe to assist in supporting long bars when they are being turned.
Word Usage
"Rich land, suitable for laying down in grass, is covered with a dense growth of sassafras, tree-fern, musk, and pear tree, with large blue or swamp gums, and an underbush of what are known as cathead ferns."