noun.
A large spar which projects forward from the stem of a ship or other vessel.
noun.
Beyond it extend the jib-boom and the flying-jib boom. The bowsprit is secured downward by the bobstays and the gammoning (which see), and at the sides by the bowsprit-shrouds, which are secured to the bows of the ship. From the outer end of the bowsprit a spar called the martingale or dolphin-striker projects downward to support the martingale-stays, and two smaller spars, called whiskers, project sidewise to support the jib-guys. On the foretopmast-stay, the jib-stay, and the flying-jib stay (which extend downward from the foretopmast-head and the foretop-gallantmast-head to the ends of the bowsprit, jib-boom, and flying-jib boom) are set the foretopmast-staysail, the jib, and the flying jib. Corruptly written boltsprit.