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Webster 1913 Edition


Masthead

Mast′headˊ

,
Noun.
(Naut.)
The top or head of a mast; the part of a mast above the hounds.

Mast′head′

,
Verb.
T.
(Naut.)
To cause to go to the masthead as a punishment.
Marryat.

Definition 2024


masthead

masthead

English

Noun

masthead (plural mastheads)

  1. (nautical) The top of a mast.
    • 1851, Herman Melville, Moby Dick, chapter 35
      In most American whalemen the mast-heads are manned almost simultaneously with the vessel’s leaving her port; even though she may have fifteen thousand miles, and more, to sail ere reaching her proper cruising ground.
  2. (US) A list of a newspaper or other periodical's main staff, contributing writers, publisher, circulation, advertising rates etc.
  3. (Britain) The title (normally in a large and distinctive font) of a newspaper at the top of the front page

Translations

Verb

masthead (third-person singular simple present mastheads, present participle mastheading, simple past and past participle mastheaded)

  1. (nautical, transitive) To send to the masthead as a punishment.
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Marryat to this entry?)
    • 2009, Gregory Fremont-Barnes, Nelson's Officers and Midshipmen (page 30)
      When the ship happened to be in a warm climate, mastheading constituted a fairly mild punishment; indeed, many regarded it as rather a relief from duty. But in inclement weather the experience was most unpleasant.

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