by the head

phrase

: drawing the greater depth of water forward

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of by the head was in 1662

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Browse Nearby Words

by the hand

by the head

by the heels

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Cite this Entry

Style

“By the head.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20the%20head. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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