Naval and Nautical Affairs

The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable Further reading

heads

The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea | 2006 | Copyright

heads, the name given to that part of the older sailing ships forward of the forecastle and around the beak which was used by the crew as their lavatory. In the US Navy it was simply known as the head, but in the Royal Navy the word was always used in the plural to indicate the weather and lee sides, seamen being expected to use the lee side so that all effluent fell clear into the sea. They were floored with gratings so that the sea could assist in washing them clean. The name is still used today for the modern flush toilets fitted aboard every ship and yacht.

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heads

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Copyright

heads heads I win, tails you lose I win whatever happens (the reference here is to tossing a coin).
heads will roll people will be dismissed or forced to resign.

See also head, two heads are better than one.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "heads." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "heads." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 12, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-heads.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "heads." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved February 12, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-heads.html

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