Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fore-and-aft sail set on the mizzenmast: A specific type of triangular sail rigged on the shorter, rear mast of a sailing vessel.
   • The third mast from the bow in a vessel having three or more masts; the after and shorter mast of a yawl, ketch, or dandy: The mast located nearest the stern (rear) of a multi-masted sailing ship, or the shorter mast located aft of the mainmast on certain two-masted vessels.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Sail):
  • The sailor climbed the rigging to adjust the mizen. (The sailor climbed the rigging to adjust the sail on the rear mast.)
  • In strong winds, the captain ordered the crew to reef the mizen. (In strong winds, the captain ordered the crew to reduce the area of the rear sail.)
• Noun (Mast):
  • The ketch is easily identified by its shorter mizen located aft of the mainmast. (The ketch is easily identified by its shorter rear mast located behind the mainmast.)
  • The three-masted ship had a foremast, a mainmast, and a mizen. (The three-masted ship had a front mast, a central mast, and a rear mast.)

Advanced Usage

• "Mizen course": Historically, the lowest square sail set on the mizzenmast of a full-rigged ship.
  • The old frigate still carried a mizen course, though it was rarely used.
• "Mizen top": The platform at the head of the lower section of the mizzenmast.
  • The lookout was stationed on the mizen top.

Variants and Related Words

• Mizzen (noun): The standard modern spelling of "mizen." Both forms are correct, but "mizzen" is more common in contemporary usage.
• Mizzenmast (noun): The specific term for the mast on which the mizen sail is set.
  • The mizzenmast was damaged in the storm.
• Mizzensail (noun): A more explicit term for the sail itself.
  • They hoisted the mizzensail to help balance the vessel.

Synonyms

• Jigger (noun): A nautical term, often used interchangeably with "mizzen," especially for the aft mast on a yawl or ketch.
  • On a yawl, the mizzen (or jigger) mast is stepped aft of the rudder post.

Related Phrases

• To set the mizen: To hoist and arrange the mizen sail for catching the wind.
  • The captain commanded, "Set the mizen to steady her course."
• Mizen staysail: A triangular sail set forward of the mizzenmast.
  • They added a mizen staysail for extra speed downwind.

Noun

1. fore-and-aft sail set on the mizzenmast
2. third mast from the bow in a vessel having three or more masts; the after and shorter mast of a yawl, ketch, or dandy