the bill or nib of a bird.

or Beak-head, of a ship, that part without the ship, before the fore-castle, which is fastened to the stem, and is supported by the main knee.

The beak, called by the Greeks sycon, by the Latins rostrum, was an important part in the ancient ships of war, which were hence denominated navis rostrata. The beak was made of wood; but fortified with braids, and fastened to the prow, serving to annoy the enemies vessels. Its invention is attributed to Piseus an Italian. The first beaks were made long and high; but afterwards a Corinthian, named Arista, contrived to make them short and strong, and placed so low, as to pierce the enemies vessels under water. By the help of these great havoc was made by the Syracusians in the Athenian fleet.