Definition

Noun: A sailing ship that has its primary sails set on horizontal yards which are perpendicular (square) to the keel of the vessel. This rigging configuration is traditional and was historically used on many large sailing ships.

Usage

The term "square-rigger" specifically refers to the type of rigging on a ship, not to its size or specific class (e.g., frigate, clipper). It is used to categorize sailing vessels by their sail plan. * The museum's collection features a restored 19th-century square-rigger. * Sailing a square-rigger requires a large crew to handle the complex yards and sails.

Advanced Usage

• As a categorical term: Used in historical, nautical, and technical contexts to distinguish this rig from fore-and-aft rigged vessels (like schooners or sloops).
  • The age of the great square-riggers ended with the rise of steam power.

Variants and Related Words

• Square-rigged (adjective): Describing a vessel fitted with this type of rigging.
  • The square-rigged barque was a magnificent sight.

Synonyms

• Square-rigged ship: A more descriptive, direct synonym.
• Tall ship: While often used for large square-riggers, this modern term can include other traditionally rigged large sailing vessels.

Antonyms

• Fore-and-aft rigger: A sailing vessel whose sails are set along the line of the keel (e.g., a sloop, ketch, or schooner).

Noun

1. a square-rigged sailing ship