Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mast on a sailing ship: Specifically, the mast that is stepped (placed) immediately above a lower mast. In traditional sailing ship rigging, it is the second mast from the deck upward and is part of a compound mast system. It supports the topgallant mast above it and the yards and sails of its own section.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The sailors climbed the rigging to repair a damaged sail on the topmast.
  • During the storm, the force of the wind snapped the topmast.
  • The ship's profile showed a tall mainmast with a slightly shorter topmast above it.

Advanced Usage

• "To strike the topmast": A nautical command to lower the topmast, often done in preparation for bad weather to reduce wind resistance and the risk of damage.
  • The captain ordered the crew to strike the topmast as the storm approached.

Variants and Related Words

• Topgallant mast (n): The mast section stepped above the topmast.
  • The lookout stood on the platform attached to the topgallant mast.
• Lower mast (n): The primary mast section stepped directly into the hull, below the topmast.
  • The lower mast is the thickest and strongest section of the compound mast.

Synonyms

• Upper mast: A general term for any mast section above the main lower mast. (Note: "Topmast" is a specific type of upper mast.)

Related Phrases

• Topmast shrouds: The set of ropes or wires that provide lateral support to the topmast.
  • The sailor carefully adjusted the tension in the topmast shrouds.
• Topmast crosstrees: The horizontal spreaders near the head of the topmast that help spread the shrouds.
  • He balanced on the crosstrees to get a better view.

Noun

1. the mast next above a lower mast and topmost in a fore-and-aft rig