bowsprit
noun
bow·sprit ˈbau̇-ˌsprit 
British usually ˈbō-
: a large spar projecting forward from the stem of a ship
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web She’s been removed from the ship’s bowsprit and taken below deck to the main hold to be treated for rot, stripped of old paint, and given a fresh coat of white with gold trim. 
San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Aug. 2021 That gives them about four months to do the often-tedious work of removing the old paint and dealing with the wood rot, which creeps in around the areas where the goddess is attached to the bowsprit. San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Aug. 2021 Made from recycled metal, wood, and rope, the vessel is complete with black pirate flags and a huge skeleton hanging from the bowsprit. Alaa Elassar, CNN, 31 Oct. 2020
San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Aug. 2021 That gives them about four months to do the often-tedious work of removing the old paint and dealing with the wood rot, which creeps in around the areas where the goddess is attached to the bowsprit. San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Aug. 2021 Made from recycled metal, wood, and rope, the vessel is complete with black pirate flags and a huge skeleton hanging from the bowsprit. Alaa Elassar, CNN, 31 Oct. 2020 Word History
Etymology
Middle English bouspret, probably from Middle Low German boochspreet, from booch bow + spreet pole
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
bowsprit
noun
bow·sprit ˈbau̇-ˌsprit
ˈbō-
: a large spar sticking out forward from the bow of a ship