A gate or valve that controls the flow of water at the beginning of a canal or water channel.
From Old English 'heafod' (head) combined with 'gate' (an opening or barrier). This compound emerged in the 13th century when irrigation systems required controlling water at the source.
Headgates are still critical infrastructure in farming regions worldwide—they're literally the gatekeepers that allow entire cities to drink. Without these simple devices controlling water flow, modern agriculture would be impossible.
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