cabeceiras

Cabeceiras is the plural of cabeceira, a feminine noun used in Portuguese and Galician. The term primarily denotes the headboard of a bed—the panel or structure at the head end that supports pillows and bedding. In furniture contexts, cabeceiras may be decorative or upholstered and can be freestanding or integrated into the bed frame.

In architecture, cabeceira refers to the head end of a building, especially the apse or sanctuary of a church, where the main liturgical space is situated. The word can be found in architectural descriptions and in discussions of church plans and elevations.

In toponymy, the word appears in place names in Portuguese-speaking regions, for example Cabeceiras de Basto in northern Portugal. The use of cabeceiras in this sense reflects a historical or geographical association with a headland, prominent feature, or simply a traditional naming convention.

Etymology and usage notes: cabeceira derives from cabeça (head) with the suffix -eira, yielding meanings related to the head end or a headboard. The plural cabeceiras is used when referring to multiple headboards or multiple places named Cabeceiras. For a single headboard, cabeceira is the standard form.