It is evident that the fore-part of a ship is called its head, from the affinity of motion and position it bears to a fish, and in general to the horizontal situation of all animals whilst swimming.
By the Head, the state of a ship, which is laden deeper at the fore-end than the after-end.
Head-fast, amarre d’avant, a rope employed to fasten a ship to a wharf, chain, or buoy, or to some other vessel along-side.
Head-land, acrotere, a name frequently given to a cape, or promontory.
Headmost, the situation of any ship or ships which are the most advanced in a fleet, or line of battle.
Head-rope, that part of the bolt-rope which terminates any of the principal sails on the upper-edge, which is accordingly sewed thereto. See the article Bolt-rope.
Head-sails, voiles de l’avant, a general name for all those sails which are extended on the fore-mast and bowsprit, and employed to command the fore-part of the ship: such are the fore-sail, fore-top-sail, fore-top-gallant-sail, jib, fore-stay-sail, and the sprit-sail with its top-sail. This term is used in opposition to after-sails, which see.
Head-to-wind, de bout au vent, the situation of a ship or boat, when her head is turned to windward.
Head-way, sillage, the motion of advancing at sea. It is generally used when a ship first begins to advance; or in calm weather, when it is doubtful whether she is in a state of rest or motion. It is in both senses opposed to retreating, or moving with the stern foremost. See the article Stern-way.
HEART, moque, a peculiar sort of dead-eye, somewhat resembling the shape of a heart, but differing from the common dead-eyes, inasmuch as it is only furnished with one large hole in the middle, fig. 32. plate [II]. whereas the common dead-eyes have always three holes. The hearts are principally used to contain the laniards, by which the stays are extended. See Dead-Eye.