Definition

1. Noun:
   • A quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail suspended from a gaff. This is a type of sail used on sailing vessels, characterized by its four-sided shape and its attachment along its top edge to a spar called a gaff.

Usage

• The term "gaff-headed sail" is a specific nautical term used to describe the rigging and shape of a sail. It is used to distinguish this sail type from others, such as lateen sails or Bermuda sails.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• The traditional schooner was equipped with several gaff-headed sails.
• Setting a gaff-headed sail requires careful handling of the gaff spar.
• Compared to a triangular sail, a gaff-headed sail often provides more power in certain wind conditions.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical contexts or when describing traditional and classic yacht designs.
• In modern sailing, the gaff-headed rig is less common than the Bermuda rig, making the term more specialized.

Variants and Related Words

• Gaff sail: A common shortened form with the same meaning.
• Gaff rig: Refers to the entire sailing rig that uses a gaff and gaff-headed sails.
• Fore-and-aft sail: The broader category of sails that are set along the line of the keel, to which the gaff-headed sail belongs.

Synonyms

• Gaff sail

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Bermuda sail: A triangular fore-and-aft sail.
• Square sail: A rectangular sail set perpendicular to the keel.

Noun

1. a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail suspended from a gaff