Simple, scroll-like ornament used in place of a figurehead.
• (n.) A round piece of timber at the bow or stern of a whaleboat, around which the harpoon lone is run out when the whale darts off.
Bil'let·head` (bĭl'let*hĕd) noun (Nautical) A round piece of timber at the bow or stern of a whaleboat, around which the harpoon line is run out when the whale darts off. 
a carved ornamental scroll or volute terminating a stem or cutwater at its upper end in place of a figurehead. Also called