Bowsprit 1
Bowsprit 1 : A large boom or mast, which projects over the stem, to carry sail forward, in order to govern the fore-part of a ship, and counteract the force of the sails extended behind, or, in the after part. It is otherwise of great use, as being the principal support of the fore-mast, by confining the stays whereby it is secured and enabled to carry sail: these are great ropes stretching from the mast-head to the middle of the bowsprit, where they are drawn tight