masthead

[mast-hed, mahst-] /ˈmæstˌhɛd, ˈmɑst-/
noun
1.
Also called flag. a statement printed in all issues of a newspaper, magazine, or the like, usually on the editorial page, giving the publication's name, the names of the owner and staff, etc.
2.
Also called nameplate. a line of type on the front page of a newspaper or the cover of a periodical giving the name of the publication.
3.
Nautical.
  1. the head of a mast.
  2. the uppermost point of a mast.
verb (used with object), Nautical
4.
to hoist a yard to the fullest extent.
5.
to hoist to the truck of a mast, as a flag.
6.
to send to the upper end of a mast as a punishment.
adjective
7.
Nautical. run up to the head of a mast:
masthead rig.
Origin
1740-50; mast1 + head
Examples from the web for masthead
  • Another hand was sent to the royal masthead, who staid nearly an hour, but gave up.
  • She did not, although many of our names appear on the journal's masthead.
  • Honestly, your masthead contains no names, whatsoever.
  • In the small world of fashion journalism, any move on the upper half of the masthead will have a ripple effect all the way down.
  • When masthead lights for towing or pushing are exhibited aft, a forward masthead light is required.
  • masthead lights not over all other lights and obstructions.
British Dictionary definitions for masthead

masthead

/ˈmɑːstˌhɛd/
noun
1.
(nautical)
  1. the head of a mast
  2. (as modifier): masthead sail
2.
Also called flag. the name of a newspaper or periodical, its proprietors, staff, etc, printed in large type at the top of the front page
verb (transitive)
3.
to send (a sailor) to the masthead as a punishment
4.
to raise (a sail) to the masthead
Word Origin and History for masthead
n.

1748, "top of a ship's mast" (the place for the display of flags), hence, from 1838, "top of a newspaper;" from mast (n.1) + head (n.).