From Middle Low German 'bōchsprēt' (bow-pole), borrowed during the Hanseatic era of Baltic maritime trade.
A spar extending forward from the bow of a sailing vessel, to which the forestays and jibs are fastened.
From Middle Low German 'bōchsprēt,' from 'bōch' (bow of a ship) + 'sprēt' (pole, spar). Borrowed into English during the height of Hanseatic maritime trade. The bowsprit extends a vessel's sail plan forward, dramatically improving sailing performance. Key roots: bōch (Middle Low German: "bow of a ship"), sprēt (Middle Low German: "pole, spar").