r BEAK-head, that external part of a ship before the forecastle which is fastened to the stem and supported by the main-knee. The beak, called by the Greeks ἐπιβάλλον, by the Latins rostrum, was an important part in the ancient ships of war, which were hence called navis rostrata. The beak was made of wood, fortified with brass, and fastened to the prow, for the purpose of damaging the enemy's vessels. Its invention is attributed to Pisaeus, an Etruscan. The first beaks were made long and high; but afterwards a Corinthian, named Ariston, made them short and strong, and placed so low as to pierce the enemy's vessels under water. By means of these great havoc was made by the Syracusans in the Athenian fleet. See Rostrum.