Definition

1. Noun:
   • A topsail set on the mainmast. This is a specific type of sail on a sailing ship. It is the topsail (a sail set above the lowest sail, or course) that is attached to the mainmast, which is the principal and typically the tallest mast.

Usage

• The term "main-topsail" is a specific, compound nautical term. It is used to precisely identify this particular sail's location and function on a square-rigged sailing vessel.
• It functions as a singular, countable noun (e.g., main-topsail, torn main-topsail).

Examples

• The sailors climbed the rigging to furl the main-topsail before the storm hit.
• A shot from the enemy ship tore through our main-topsail.
• Setting the main-topsail added more speed to the ship's progress.

Advanced Usage / Notes

• In historical or technical contexts about sailing, "main-topsail" is a standard term. In modern general English, it is a highly specialized word.
• The hyphen in "main-topsail" is often used to clarify it is a single compound noun referring to one specific sail, distinguishing it from the separate words "main" and "topsail."

Variants and Related Words

• Topsail (n): The general term for a sail set next above the lowest sail on a mast.
• Mainmast (n): The principal mast of a sailing ship.
• Foremast (n): The mast nearest the bow of a ship. A sail set here would be a fore-topsail.
• Mizzenmast (n): The mast aft of the mainmast. A sail set here would be a mizzen-topsail.

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for this precise nautical term. A general description would be "the topsail on the mainmast."

Related Phrases / Terminology

• Set the main-topsail: To hoist and arrange this sail to catch the wind.
• Furl the main-topsail: To gather and secure this sail to its yard.
• Reef the main-topsail: To reduce the area of this sail exposed to the wind, typically in strong weather.

Noun

1. a topsail set on the mainmast