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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

(Naut.)

A piece of timber placed across the stem, to unite the bows and strengthen the fore part of the ship; a breast hook.

Noun.

In ships, a breast-hook; a piece of timber placed across the stem to unite the bows and strengthen the forepart of the ship.

forehook ‎(plural forehooks)

(nautical) A piece of timber placed across the stern, to unite the bows and strengthen the fore part of the ship; a breast hook.