noun
definition
A heavy piece of timber projecting somewhat horizontally from each side of the bow of a ship on which an anchor is raised or lowered, and secured when not used, from its stock end.
definition
A decorative element at the end of such a timber that often depicts a cat's head.
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(technology, chiefly mining) A (small) capstan (“vertical cylindrical machine that revolves on a spindle, used to apply force to cables, ropes, etc.”) or windlass (“type of winch”) forming part of hoisting machinery.
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(UK, dialectal) A nodule of ironstone containing fossil remains.
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(US) Short for cathead biscuit (“a large fluffy biscuit, typically served with gravy”).