A cathead is a large wooden beam located on either side of the bow of a sailing ship, and angled forward at roughly 45 degrees. The beam is used to support the ship's anchor when raising it or lowering it, and for carrying the anchor on its stock-end when suspended outside the ship's side.

What does the term Cathead mean?

: a projecting piece of timber or iron near the bow of a ship to which the anchor is hoisted and secured.

Why is it called a cathead?

Nautical author Robert Charles Leslie, writes: "The term catheads used for the two stout projecting timbers on either bow, from which the anchor hung clear of the ship before letting go, was no doubt connected with the fact of a lion or large cat usually carved upon the end of the item."