Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Describes a type of rigging on a sailing vessel, specifically one that uses a triangular sail set on a long yard mounted at an angle on the mast.

2. Noun:

   • A triangular fore-and-aft sail, historically prominent in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean, characterized by its long, angled yard.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:

  • The traditional dhow is a lateen-rigged vessel.
  • They sailed a small lateen boat along the coast.

• Noun:

  • The sailor adjusted the lateen to catch the wind.
  • A single lateen can power a surprisingly large boat.

Advanced Usage

• "Lateen rig": Refers to the entire sailing system using a lateen sail.
  • The lateen rig is efficient for sailing into the wind.
• "Lateen yard": The long spar from which the sail is hung.
  • He climbed to secure the lateen yard.

Variants and Related Words

• Lateen-rigged (adj): A compound term describing a vessel equipped with a lateen sail or sails.
  • The lateen-rigged felucca is a common sight in the harbor.
• Lateener (n, rare): A boat rigged with a lateen sail.
  • The old painting depicted a lateener.

Synonyms

• Triangular sail: A general descriptive synonym.
• Fore-and-aft sail: A categorical synonym describing the sail's alignment with the keel, though not all fore-and-aft sails are triangular like the lateen.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Set a lateen: To hoist or arrange the lateen sail.
  • The crew worked together to set the lateen.
• Furl the lateen: To gather and secure the sail.
  • Before the storm, they had to furl the lateen quickly.

Adjective

1. rigged with a triangular (lateen) sail

Noun

1. a triangular fore-and-aft sail used especially in the Mediterranean