stunsail
Definition
- Noun (Nautical):
- A "stunsail" is a light, supplementary sail set on a ship, typically extending outward from the main sails to increase speed in favorable winds. It is often used in square-rigged vessels.
Usage Examples
- (They raised the extra sail to gain more speed.)
- (The additional sail improved movement when wind was light.)
Advanced Usage
"To set a stunsail": to deploy this sail for better performance.
- The captain ordered the sailors to set the stunsail on the starboard side. (He commanded them to attach the extra sail on the right side of the ship.)
"Stunsail boom": a spar (pole) used to extend the stunsail outward from the ship.
- The stunsail boom snapped under the strong wind, causing the sail to collapse. (The supporting pole broke, rendering the sail useless.)
Variants and Related Words
Stun-sail (n): an alternative spelling of "stunsail," often used in historical nautical texts.
- The old logbook mentioned a "stun-sail" being repaired after a storm. (The record referred to the same type of sail.)
Studdingsail (n): a more formal or historical term for the same type of sail, derived from "stunsail."
- The frigate carried studdingsails on both sides for extra speed. (The warship used these supplementary sails.)
Synonyms
- Supplementary sail: an additional sail used alongside primary sails.
- Skysail: a high, light sail on a square-rigged ship, though not identical to a stunsail, it shares a similar function of enhancing speed.
Phrasal Verbs
- Stun out: (rare, nautical) to extend or set a stunsail.
- They stunned out the sail to take advantage of the following wind. (They deployed the stunsail for better propulsion.)
Related Idioms
- To carry a stunsail (figurative): to take advantage of an opportunity for extra gain or speed.
- In business, he always carried a stunsail, seeking every advantage. (He consistently looked for ways to maximize success.)