/mast"hed', mahst"-/ , n.
1. Also called flag . a statement printed in all issues of a newspaper, magazine, or the like, usually on the editorial page, giving the publication's name, the names of the owner and staff, etc.
2. Also called nameplate . a line of type on the front page of a newspaper or the cover of a periodical giving the name of the publication.
3. Naut.
a. the head of a mast.
b. the uppermost point of a mast.
v.t. Naut.
4. to hoist a yard to the fullest extent.
5. to hoist to the truck of a mast, as a flag.
6. to send to the upper end of a mast as a punishment.
adj.
7. Naut. run up to the head of a mast: masthead rig.
[ 1740-50; MAST 1 + HEAD ]