01 n. The beak or head of a ship.
pl.
Rostra, Rostrums ((#))
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1.
The beak or head of a ship.
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2.
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.(Rom. Antiq.)
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3.
Hence, a stage for public speaking; the pulpit or platform occupied by an orator or public speaker.“Myself will mount the rostrum in his favor.” — Addison.
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4.
Any beaklike prolongation, esp. of the head of an animal, as the beak of birds.(Zool.)
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6.
The pipe to convey the distilling liquor into its receiver in the common alembic.(Old Chem.)
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7.
A pair of forceps of various kinds, having a beaklike form.(Surg.) [Obs.]