English

a canal headgate in California at the beginning of the 20th century

Alternative forms

• head gate

Noun

headgate ‎(plural headgates)

1. A primary gate or valve at an aqueduct or other source that can be opened or closed to regulate the flow of water entering an irrigation system (of lesser gated canals and irrigation ditches).
2. A moveable framework designed to hold still the heads of cattle for various procedures.