top of a pole; pole tip
Refers to the very top or tip of a pole, rod, or similar long object. Often used in set phrases like 竿頭に立つ (to stand at the top of a pole, i.e., to be in a leading position).
The flag was hoisted to the top of the pole.
He stands at the top of the industry.
the highest state of enlightenment; the pinnacle of attainment
Compound of 竿 (pole, rod) and 頭 (head, top). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from its components.