loggerhead

English

/ˈlɒɡəhɛd/, /ˈlɔɡɚˌhɛd/

noun
Definitions
  • (obsolete) A stupid person; a blockhead, a dolt.
  • A metal tool consisting of a long rod with a bulbous end that is made hot in a fire, then plunged into some material (such as pitch or a liquid) to melt or heat it.
  • (nautical) A post on a whaling boat used to secure the harpoon rope.
  • (botany) A thistle-like flowering plant of the genus Centaurea, particularly the ().
  • (zoology)

Etymology

Compound from English logger (heavy wooden block secured to a horse's leg to prevent it from straying) + English head (-hood, noun, hood, foremost, or leading part, topmost, suffix indicating a fan enthusiast).

Origin

English

head

Gloss

-hood, noun, hood, foremost, or leading part, topmost, suffix indicating a fan enthusiast

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms