either of a pair of vertical supports for each side of the bowsprit
Word origin
C18: originally decorated with carvings of knights' heads
knighthead in American English
(ˈnaitˌhed)
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
Word origin
[1705–15; knight + head]This word is first recorded in the period 1705–15. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: costume, encore, salon, splash, unconscious