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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

(Naut.)

A thick piece of timber in the form of a knee, placed across the stem of a ship to strengthen the fore part and unite the bows on each side.

Totten.

Noun.

[breast and high.] A thick piece of timber placed directly across the stem of a ship to strengthen the fore part and unite the bows on each side.

breasthook ‎(plural breasthooks)

(nautical) A horizontal timber fitted in the bows of a ship to add strength and to connect the sides to the stem