n. Nautical A spar, extending forward from the stem of a ship, to which the stays of the foremast are fastened. [Middle English bouspret, possibly from Middle Low German bōchsprēt : bōch, bow; see bheug- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + sprēt, sprit; see sper- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] (click for a larger image) bowsprit |
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