Bowsprit (noun)

A spar extending forward from the bow of a ship, used to support sails and rigging.

Origin:

Derived from the dutch word "boegspriet" which means "bow-spike".

Examples:

1. The bowsprit was used to anchor the ship's anchor.
2. The sailors had to climb out onto the bowsprit to fix the sails.
3. The bowsprit of the ship was damaged during the storm.
4. The ship's design included a large bowsprit to increase its sailing performance.
5. The bowsprit was one of the defining features of the ship's silhouette.