Part 752

Head"most` (-mst`), a. Most advanced; most forward; as, the headmost ship in a fleet.

Head"note` (-nt`), n. A note at the head of a page or chapter; in law reports, an abstract of a case, showing the principles involved and the opinion of the court.

Head"pan` (-pn`), n. [AS. he·fodpanne.] The brainpan. [Obs.]

Head"piece` (-ps`), n. 1. Head.

In his headpiece he felt a sore pain.

Spenser.

2. A cap of defense; especially, an open one, as distinguished from the closed helmet of the Middle Ages.

3. Understanding; mental faculty.

Eumenes had the best headpiece of all Alexander's captains.

Prideaux.

4. An engraved ornament at the head of a chapter, or of a page.

Head"quar`ters (-kwr`trz), n. pl. [but sometimes used as a n. sing.] The quarters or place of residence of any chief officer, as the general in command of an army, or the head of a police force; the place from which orders or instructions are issued; hence, the center of authority or order.

The brain, which is the headquarters, or office, of intelligence.

Collier.

Head"race` (-rs`), n. See Race, a water course.

Head"room` (-rm`), n. (Arch.) See Headway, 2.

Head"rope` (-rp`), n. (Naut.) That part of a boltrope which is sewed to the upper edge or head of a sail.

Head"sail` (-sl`), n. (Naut.) Any sail set forward of the foremast. Totten.

Head`shake` (-shk`), n. A significant shake of the head, commonly as a signal of denial. Shak.

Head"ship, n. Authority or dignity; chief place.

Heads"man (hdz"man), n.; pl. Headsmen (-men). An executioner who cuts off heads. Dryden.

Head"spring` (hd"sprng`), n. Fountain; source.

The headspring of our belief.

Stapleton.

Head"stall` (-stl`), n. That part of a bridle or halter which encompasses the head. Shak.

Head"stock` (-stk`), n. (Mach.) A part (usually separate from the bed or frame) for supporting some of the principal working parts of a machine; as: (a) The part of a lathe that holds the revolving spindle and its attachments; -- also called poppet head, the opposite corresponding part being called a tailstock. (b) The part of a planing machine that supports the cutter, etc.

Head"stone` (-stn`), n. 1. The principal stone in a foundation; the chief or corner stone. Ps. cxviii. 22.

2. The stone at the head of a grave.