Definition

Noun: - The lowest sail on the foremast of a square-rigged vessel: In traditional sailing ships with square sails, the foresail is the principal sail set on the foremast, which is the mast nearest the bow (front) of the ship. It is typically the lowest and largest sail on that mast.

Usage

The term "foresail" is used specifically in the context of sailing and nautical history to describe a key component of a ship's rigging. - It functions as a standard countable noun (e.g., a foresail, the foresail, two foresails). - It refers to a specific piece of equipment on certain types of sailing vessels.

Examples

• The crew worked quickly to reef the foresail before the storm hit.
• On a classic tall ship, the foresail is crucial for driving the vessel forward.
• The old painting depicted a frigate with its foresail fully set.

Advanced Usage

• "To set the foresail": To hoist and arrange the foresail so it catches the wind.
  • The captain gave the order to set the foresail.
• "To furl the foresail": To gather and secure the foresail to its yard.
  • As they entered the calm harbor, they began to furl the foresail.

Variants and Related Words

• Fore-and-aft foresail: In modern sailing, especially on fore-and-aft rigged vessels (like sloops), the term "foresail" can more broadly refer to the primary sail set forward of the mainmast, such as a jib or genoa. However, in strict historical/nautical terms, it refers to the square sail.
• Forecourse: Another name for the foresail on a square-rigged ship.
• Headsail: A more general modern term for any sail set forward of the foremost mast, which includes jibs and genoas. The square-rigged foresail is a type of headsail.

Synonyms

• Forecourse (specific synonym for the square sail).
• Headsail (broader, more general synonym in modern contexts).

Related Phrases

• Under foresail alone: Sailing using only the foresail for propulsion, often in heavy weather.
  • The ship was making good way under foresail alone.

Noun

1. the lowest sail on the foremast of a square-rigged vessel