masthead

mast +‎ head

masthead (plural mastheads)

1. (nautical) The top of a mast.
   • 1851, Herman Melville, Moby Dick, chapter 35

     In most American whalemen the mast-heads are manned almost simultaneously with the vessel’s leaving her port; even though she may have fifteen thousand miles, and more, to sail ere reaching her proper cruising ground.

2. (US) A list of a newspaper or other periodical's main staff, contributing writers, publisher, circulation, advertising rates etc.
3. (Britain) The title (normally in a large and distinctive font) of a newspaper at the top of the front page

• (list of a paper's main staff): imprint (UK)
• (title): nameplate (US)

• letterhead

masthead (third-person singular simple present mastheads, present participle mastheading, simple past and past participle mastheaded)

1. (nautical, transitive) To send to the masthead as a punishment.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Marryat to this entry?)

   • 2009, Gregory Fremont-Barnes, Nelson's Officers and Midshipmen (page 30)

     When the ship happened to be in a warm climate, mastheading constituted a fairly mild punishment; indeed, many regarded it as rather a relief from duty. But in inclement weather the experience was most unpleasant.

• masthead on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

• Steadham