BOWSPRIT

bowsprit. Bowsprit, n. a large spar at a ship's head, supporting the forward sails

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Bow″sprit′ (�), n. [[Bow + sprit; akin to D. boegspriet; boeg bow of a ship + spriet, E. sprit, also Sw. bogspröt, G. bugspriet.]] (Naut.) A large boom or spar, which projects over the stem of a ship or other vessel, to carry sail forward.