BEAK or Beak-head of a ship, that part without the ship before the forecastle which is fastened to the stem, and is supported by the main-knee. The beak, called by the Greeks ἱβδός, by the Latins rostrum, was an important part in the ancient ships of war, which were hence denominated naves rostrate. The beak was made of wood, but fortified with brass, and fastened to the prow, serving to annoy the enemy's vessels. Its invention is attributed to Pisæus, an Italian. The first beaks were made long and high; but afterwards a Corinthian, named Aristo, caused them to be made short and strong, and placed so low as to pierce the enemy's vessels under water. By means of these great havock was made by the Syracusans in the Athenian fleet.