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cathead. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
cathead, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
cathead in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
cathead you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Etymology
cat + head
Noun
cathead (plural catheads)
- (nautical) 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.
- Similar rigging on the outside of a building.
- Short for cathead biscuit.
1969, Maya Angelou, chapter 6, in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, New York: Bantam, published 1971, page 30:The trick to eating catheads was to get the butter on them before they got cold—then they were delicious. When, unluckily, they were allowed to get cold, they tended to a gooeyness, not unlike a wad of tired gum.
Alternative forms
Related terms
Translations
nautical: heavy piece of timber for holding an anchor in position
See also