the bill or nib of a bird. See ORNITHOLOGY Index.

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 κροκός, by the Latins rostrum, was an important part in the ancient ships of war, which were hence denominated naves rostratae. The beak was made of wood; but fortified with brafs, and fastened to the prow, serving to annoy the enemy's vessels. Its invention is attributed to Piseus an Italian. The first beaks were made long and high; but afterwards a Corinthian, named Arielo, 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 havock was made by the Syracusans in the Athenian fleet.