Dictionary entry

Cutwater

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Cut″wa′ter (kŭt″wa̤′tẽr), n.(Naut.) 1. The fore part of a ship's prow, which cuts the water.

2. A starling or other structure attached to the pier of a bridge, with an angle or edge directed up stream, in order better to resist the action of water, ice, etc.; the sharpened upper end of the pier itself.

3. (Zoöl.) A sea bird of the Atlantic (Rhynchops nigra); — called also black skimmer, scissorsbill, and razorbill. See Skimmer.