headfast

/ ˈhɛdfɑːst /

noun

1. a mooring rope at the bows of a ship

Word History and Origins

Origin of headfast¹

C16: from head (in the sense: front) + fast a mooring rope, from Middle English fest, from Old Norse festr; related to fast ¹

Example Sentences

With high water approaching we draw near the point of balance in buoyancy, and the salving tenders tighten up headfasts and stern ropes in readiness for a slip or drag.

From Project Gutenberg

The Jesus and the Minion cut their headfasts, hauled clear by their sternfasts, drove back the boarding parties, and engaged the Spanish fleet at about a hundred yards.

From Project Gutenberg

It is like cutting all the headfasts, and riding altogether by the stern; for it is letting go the hold of what has gone before to grapple with the future.

From Project Gutenberg