Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific type of sail on a sailing ship: A topgallant sail is a square sail set on the yard (the horizontal spar) of a topgallant mast, which is the mast section above the topmast. It is typically the third sail up from the deck on a traditional square-rigged ship.

Usage

• The is used to catch wind to propel a sailing vessel. It is set in fair weather to increase speed when more sail area is needed.
• It is part of the standard sail plan of a fully rigged ship, located above the topsail and below the royal sail (if present).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The crew was ordered to set the topgallant sail to take advantage of the favorable breeze.
  • During the storm, the captain commanded, "Furl the topgallant sail!" to reduce the ship's sail area.

Advanced Usage

• "To carry a press of topgallant sail": A nautical phrase meaning to sail with all possible speed, often including the topgallant sails set in strong winds, indicating a willingness to push the ship hard.
  • The clipper ship carried a press of topgallant sail to win the race.

Variants and Related Words

• Topgallant (noun/adjective): Can refer to the mast, yard, or sail itself. As an adjective, it describes anything related to this section of the mast.
  • The topgallant mast was damaged in the squall.
• T'gallant (noun): A common nautical abbreviation for .
  • Hands aloft to reef the t'gallant!

Synonyms

• T'gallant sail: Abbreviated synonym.
• Topgallant: When used in the context of sails (e.g., "Set the topgallants").

Related Phrases

• "Under topgallant sails": Describes a ship sailing with its topgallant sails set.
  • The ship was a beautiful sight under topgallant sails.

Noun

1. a sail set on a yard of a topgallant mast