\Beak\ (b[=e]k), n. [OE. bek, F. bec, fr. Celtic; cf. Gael.
& Ir. bac, bacc, hook, W. bach.]
1. (Zo["o]l.)
   (a) The bill or nib of a bird, consisting of a horny
       sheath, covering the jaws. The form varied much
       according to the food and habits of the bird, and is
       largely used in the classification of birds.
   (b) A similar bill in other animals, as the turtles.
   (c) The long projecting sucking mouth of some insects, and
       other invertebrates, as in the Hemiptera.
   (d) The upper or projecting part of the shell, near the
       hinge of a bivalve.
   (e) The prolongation of certain univalve shells containing
       the canal.
2. Anything projecting or ending in a point, like a beak, as
   a promontory of land. --Carew.
3. (Antiq.) A beam, shod or armed at the end with a metal
   head or point, and projecting from the prow of an ancient
   galley, in order to pierce the vessel of an enemy; a
   beakhead.
4. (Naut.) That part of a ship, before the forecastle, which
   is fastened to the stem, and supported by the main knee.
5. (Arch.) A continuous slight projection ending in an arris
   or narrow fillet; that part of a drip from which the water
   is thrown off.
6. (Bot.) Any process somewhat like the beak of a bird,
   terminating the fruit or other parts of a plant.
7. (Far.) A toe clip. See {Clip}, n. (Far.).
8. A magistrate or policeman. [Slang, Eng.]