Terminology from the Age of Sail

For a custom word search, make your selections below. For an alphabetical listing select Alphabetical Search. Search is NOT case-sensitive.

1. definition or term - term ONLY i.e. oar will find the definition for oar.
2. any reference to - finds any match i.e. tool will find all shipwright tools.
3. text containing - finds any partial match i.e. oar will ALSO find inboard.


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Search result for definition: figurehead
Figurehead: An ornamental carved and painted figure or scene on the stem, below the bowsprit, generally expressing some aspect of the ship's name or owner.

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A straddlehead was a free standing figure, normally standing on a little but often decorated platform extending ahead of the ship. An example is shown directly below:

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An alternate form of bow decoration was the billethead.
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