n. | 1. | The beak or head of a ship. |
| 2. | (Rom. Antiq.) The Beaks; the stage or platform in the forum where orations, pleadings, funeral harangues, etc., were delivered; - so called because after the Latin war, it was adorned with the beaks of captured vessels; later, applied also to other platforms erected in Rome for the use of public orators. |
| 3. | Hence, a stage for public speaking; the pulpit or platform occupied by an orator or public speaker. |
| 4. | (Zool.) Any beaklike prolongation, esp. of the head of an animal, as the beak of birds. |
| 5. | (Bot.) Same as Rostellum. |
| 6. | (Old Chem.) The pipe to convey the distilling liquor into its receiver in the common alembic. |
| 7. | (Surg.) A pair of forceps of various kinds, having a beaklike form. |