jury mast
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A temporary mast erected on a ship to replace a mast that has been broken or lost, intended as a provisional, often makeshift, solution to allow the vessel to continue sailing until a permanent repair can be made.
Usage
The term is used specifically in nautical contexts to describe an emergency, non-permanent replacement for a ship's mast. - After the storm snapped the mainmast, the crew rigged a jury mast to keep the ship under sail. - The old sailing vessel was seen limping into port with a jury mast fashioned from spare spars.
Advanced Usage
- The concept of a "jury" rig, of which a "jury mast" is a part, refers broadly to any temporary, improvised repair made with available materials, especially at sea. The phrase "jury-rigged" is a common adjective derived from this nautical tradition.
- While "jury mast" is the specific term, it is often discussed within the broader context of emergency seamanship and survival at sea.
Variants and Related Words
- Jury-rig (verb): To assemble or construct something in a makeshift or temporary manner using whatever materials are at hand.
- They had to jury-rig a rudder after the original was damaged.
- Jury-rigged (adjective): Describing something that has been constructed or repaired in a temporary, improvised way.
- The jury-rigged antenna managed to pick up a distress signal.
Synonyms
- Temporary mast
- Makeshift mast
- Emergency mast
Notes on Meaning
- The word "jury" in this compound does not relate to the legal term. Its etymology is uncertain but is believed to come from Old French ("help" or "relief") or from a shortening of "injury," referring to a repair for a damaged part.
- A "jury mast" is distinct from a permanent replacement. Its primary purpose is functionality and survival, not aesthetics or long-term durability.
Noun
- a temporary mast to replace one that has broken off