Posthead

Posthead is a term used in a few specialized contexts and does not have a single, widely accepted definition. Etymologically, it combines post with head to indicate a leading or top component of a post, and its exact sense depends on the field.

In digital publishing and content management, posthead can refer to the header or metadata block that precedes a post’s main text. This header may include the title, author, publication date, categories or tags, and other attributes. In practice, many platforms use terms such as metadata, front matter, or header rather than “posthead,” and the exact structure varies by system.

In carpentry and timber framing, the posthead describes the upper end of a vertical post. The head may be shaped or notched to receive a beam or transom, or it may be finished with a cap or decorative treatment. The term is regional or historical in this context and is not universally used across carpentry literature.

Other potential uses are sparse and specialized, including niche workflows or product names; in those cases the meaning is defined by the local jargon or documentation. Given its lack of standardization, readers should rely on contextual cues to interpret posthead. Related terms include front matter, post metadata, header, metadata, and headstock in different crafts.