What is "boomkin"

Bumkin \Bum"kin\, n. [Boom a beam + -kin. See Bumpkin.] (Naut.) A projecting beam or boom; as:

1. One projecting from each bow of a vessel, to haul the fore tack to, called a tack bumpkin.

2. One from each quarter, for the main-brace blocks, and called brace bumpkin.

3. A small outrigger over the stern of a boat, to extend the mizzen. [Written also boomkin.] [1913 Webster] ||

n. (alternative form of bumkin English)

A boomkin is a short spar that may project either fore or aft on a sailing vessel, depending on its function. Traditionally, it was a strong, usually wooden spar extending forward over the bow of a Western sailing ship holding a block through which a headsail's sheet passed; on some modern sailing yachts with long main booms it is a short spar extending aft from the stern anchoring a central backstay.

Historically, boomkins were employed in pairs, one on either side of the vessel, often canted downwards over the main head-rail. Originally butted at their inboard ends against a knighthead, bolting prevailed since the end of the 18th century.

They are not to be confused with catheads, heavy wooden beams on either side of a traditional vessel's bow angled forward at roughly 45 degrees which support the ship's anchors when being raised or lowered.