Definition

Noun: A specific arrangement of sails and masts on a sailing vessel, characterized by a triangular sail (lateen sail) set on a long yard that is mounted at an angle on a relatively short mast.

Usage

This term is used specifically in nautical contexts to describe the rigging configuration of certain sailing vessels, particularly traditional boats in the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, and the Nile. * The lateen-rig is highly effective for sailing into the wind. * The dhow is a classic example of a boat with a lateen-rig. * He studied the efficiency of the traditional lateen-rig.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical or anthropological discussions of maritime technology and trade routes.
• It can be used attributively (functioning like an adjective) before another noun, e.g., "a vessel" or " design."

Variants and Related Words

• Lateen (noun/adjective): The triangular sail itself, or describing something related to it (e.g., a lateen sail).
• Lateen-rigged (adjective): Describing a vessel that is fitted with a lateen rig (e.g., a lateen-rigged felucca).
• Rig (noun): The general arrangement of a vessel's masts, sails, and ropes.

Synonyms

• Triangular rig: A more general descriptive term.
• Fore-and-aft rig: A broader category of sail plans that includes the lateen, where the sails lie along the line of the keel rather than across it (as in square-rig).

Antonyms

• Square-rig: A rig characterized by square sails mounted on horizontal yards set perpendicular to the keel of the ship.

Noun

1. the rig on a lateen-rigged sailing vessel