HEAD-Sails, 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, viz. all those which are extended on the mizen-mast, and on the stays between the mizen and main masts.
HEAD TO-WIND; the situation of a ship or boat, when her head is turned to windward.