Definition

1. Noun:
   • The lowermost sail on a mizzenmast: In traditional square-rigged sailing ships, the crossjack is the lowest square sail set on the mizzenmast, which is the mast located nearest the stern (the rear) of the ship.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sailors struggled to reef the crossjack as the storm approached.
  • On a full-rigged ship, the crossjack is set on the mizzenmast below the mizzen topsail.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Nautical Context: The term "crossjack" is primarily used in historical and technical discussions of sailing ships. It is often abbreviated as "cro'jack" in historical logs and sailor's slang.
  • The captain's log noted damage to the cro'jack during the squall.

Variants and Related Words

• Cro'jack: A common historical abbreviation or variant spelling of "crossjack."
• Mizzen sail: A more general term for any sail on the mizzenmast, which includes the crossjack.
• Spanker: A fore-and-aft sail also set on the mizzenmast of some ships, distinct from the square crossjack.

Synonyms

• Mizzen course: Another, though less common, term for the crossjack, as it is the "course" (principal lowest sail) on the mizzenmast.

Related Phrases

• To set the crossjack: To prepare and hoist the crossjack sail.
  • The order was given to set the crossjack to catch the following wind.
• To furl the crossjack: To gather and secure the crossjack sail.
  • As they entered the harbor, the crew began to furl the crossjack.

Noun

1. the lowermost sail on a mizzenmast