exaction of a certain sum formerly collected by the sheriff of Northumberland from the inhabitants of that county, without any account to be made to the king. This was abolished by the statute 23 Hen. VI. cap. 7.
Head-Tin, in metallurgy, is a preparation of tin ore toward the fitting it for working into metal. When the ore has been pounded and twice washed, that part of it which lies uppermost, or makes the surface of the mass in the tub, is called the head-tin; this is separated from the rest, and after a little more washing becomes fit for the blowing-house.
Head-Rope, a rope employed to fasten a ship to a wharf, chain, or buoy, or to some other vessel alongside.
Head-Land, a name frequently given to a cape or promontory.
Head-Dress, amongst the Jewish, Grecian, and Roman ladies, as among ourselves, was various, according to the different periods of time, and the fluctuation of fashion. In general, it principally consisted of their hair differently tricked out. It was usually divided before, with a bodkin, into two equal parts; sometimes it was covered with a net, or put into a kind of purse, or tied behind in the form of a knot, or bound back and plaited with ribbands. It was washed with great care; essence and perfumes were applied to it, and gold dust sometimes made use of as powder. Pearls and jewels made a part of their ornaments; and pendants were worn in the ear. To cover the defect of hair, perukes were made use of by the gentlemen of Rome. And we read that Otho had a covering of false hair, because he had not much of his own. See Hair, Jewels.
Both Grecian and Roman ladies wore têtes. But whether they ever built up their heads so high as the English, or our continental neighbours, will admit of a dispute.
Headmost, the situation of any ship or ships which are the most advanced in a fleet, or line of battle.
Head-Rope, that part of the bolt-rope which terminates any of the principal sails on the upper edge, which is accordingly sewed thereto. See the article Bolt-Rope.
Head-Sail, 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-fall, fore-top-fall, fore-top-gallant-fall, jib, fore-stay-fall, and the sprit-fall with its top-fall. 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.
Head-Way, the motion of advancing at sea. It is generally used when a ship first begins to advance; or when it is doubtful whether she is in a state of rest or motion. It is in both senses opposed to retreating, or moving with the stern foremost. See the article Stern-way.
Healfang, Healsfang, or Halsfang, in our ancient customs, signifies collig/irigium, or the punishment of the pillory. The word is compounded of two Saxon words; halp, neck, and pangen "to contain:" Pena/felicit qua aliciu collum/fingatur. The heal-fang, however, cannot signify a pillory in the charter of Canutus, De Forefis, cap. xiv. Et pro culpa solvatur regi duos solidos, quos Dani vocant halfsang.
Healfang is also taken for a pecuniary punishment or mulct, to commute for standing in the pillory; and is to be paid either to the king or the chief lord. Qui falsum tellimonium dedit, reddat regi vel terra domino heal-fang.