om which the tail
proceeds.

HEAD OF A MAST, OR MAST-HEAD. The upper part of any mast, or that
whereon the caps or trucks are fitted.

HEAD OF A WORK. In fortification, the part most advanced towards the
enemy. In progressive works, such as siege-approaches and saps, it is
the farthest point then attained.

HEAD OF WATER. Water kept to a height by winds, or by artificial dams
and sluice-gates. The vertical column which dock-gates have to bear.

HEAD-PIECE. A term for the helmet.

HEAD-PUMP. A small pump fixed at the vessel's bow, its lower end
communicating with the sea: it is mostly used for washing decks.

HEAD-QUARTERS. The place where the general, or commanding officer, takes
up his quarters. Also, the man-of-war, or transport, which carries the
staff of an expedition.

HEAD-RAILS. The short rails of the head, extending from the back of the
figure to the cat-head: equally useful and ornamental. There are two on
each side, one straight and the other curved. (_See_ FALSE RAIL.) Also,
used familiarly for teeth.

HEAD-ROPE. That part of the bolt-rope which terminates any sail on the
upper edge, and to which it is accordingly sewed. (_See_ BOLT-ROPE.)
Also, the small rope to which a flag is fastened, to hoist it to the
mast-head, or head of the ensign-staff.

HEAD-SAILS. A general name for all those sails which may be set on the
fore-mast and bowsprit, jib, and flying jib-boom, and employed to
influence the fore-part of the ship.

HEAD-SEA. A name given to the waves when they oppose a ship's course, as
the ship must rise over, or cut through each. Their effect depends upon
their height, form, and speed; sometimes they are steep, quick, and
irregular, so that a ship is caught by a second before she has recovered
from the first; these render her wet and uneasy.

HEAD-SHEETS. Specially jibs and staysail sheets, before the fore-mast.

HEAD-STICK. A short round stick with a hole at each end, through which
the head-rope of some triangular sails is thrust, before it is sewed on.
Its use is to prevent the head of the sail from twisting.

HEAD TO WIND. The situation of a ship or boat when her head is pointed
directly to windward. The term is particularly applied in the act of
tacking, or while lying at anchor.

HEAD-WAY. A ship is said to gather head-way when she passes any object
thrown overboard at the bow, and it passes astern into her wake. A ship
may also, by the action of swell, forge ahead.

HEAD-WIND. A