masthead meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

masthead

noun

Etymology From mast + head.

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.1851 November 14, Herman Melville, “chapter 35”, in Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, 1st American edition, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers; London: Richard Bentley, →OCLC:

US The list of a newspaper's or another periodical's main staff, contributing writers, publisher, circulation, advertising rates etc.

Australia, New Zealand, UK The title (normally in a large and distinctive font, and at the top of the front page) of a newspaper or another periodical.

Maree said she felt worse after articles were written about the video, including by this masthead.2022 July 14, Stephen Johnson, “Aussie woman given flowers in viral stunt blasts TikTok star”, in Mail Online:

Australia, New Zealand, UK, Broadly The publication itself, or the rights to publish it.

Broadcasting, Media, Television Broadly The logo of a broadcaster used in an ident.

Derived terms: masthead sloop
Related terms: letterhead

masthead

verb

Etymology From mast + head.

Nautical, Transport To send to the masthead as a punishment.

“I was mast-headed, sir.” “Mast-headed! how - for what?”1838, Frederick Marryat, Rattlin the Reefer:
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.2009, Gregory Fremont-Barnes, Nelson's Officers and Midshipmen, page 30:

To furnish (a newspaper) with a masthead.

It was mastheaded as "Palatka's Only Independent Home-Owned Newspaper."1991, John Costello, Ten Days to Destiny, page 542: