knighthead means 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.
Etymology
From knight + head; sometimes decorated with a carving of a man's head.
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.