knighthead

Meaning

Noun

• A mitred backing timber which extends the after line of the rabbet in the stem to give extra support to the ends of the planks and the bowsprit.
• A bollard or bitt.
• Either of two timbers rising from the keel of a sailing ship and supporting the inner end of the bowsprit.

Origin

• knight + head; sometimes decorated with a carving of a man's head.