BOWSPRIT, or BOLTSPIRIT, a large spar which projects over the stem of a ship, resting slopewise on the head of the main stem, and having its lower end fastened to the partners of the fore-mast, and further supported by the fore-stay. It carries the sprit-sail, sprit-top-sail, and jack-staff; and its length is usually the same as that of the fore-mast.