topsail

Thân thiện

The ship's crew unfurls the topsail to catch the wind.

Definition

Noun: 1. A square sail set on a yard above the course (the lowest square sail) on a square-rigged mast. It is the second sail up from the deck on a mast. 2. A triangular or quadrilateral sail set above the gaff (the spar extending from the mast) on a fore-and-aft rigged mast.

Usage

The term "topsail" specifically refers to a sail positioned above another, primary sail. Its exact form and rigging depend on the type of ship (square-rigged or fore-and-aft rigged).

Examples: * The sailors climbed the rigging to furl the topsail as the storm approached. * On a schooner, the topsail is often set above the main sail. * A strong wind filled the topsail, helping to drive the ship forward.

Advanced Usage

• "Flying topsail": A very light sail set above the standard topsail in fair weather.
• "Reef the topsail": To reduce the area of the topsail by partially gathering and tying it down, typically in strong winds.

Variants and Related Words

• Topgallant sail (or topgallant): The sail set immediately above the topsail on a square-rigged mast.
• Course: The principal and lowest square sail on a mast, set below the topsail.
• Topmast: The mast that supports the topsail.

Synonyms

• Upper sail (general descriptive term)

Related Phrases

• "Under topsails": A phrase describing a ship sailing with only its topsails set, often in moderate or reduced wind conditions.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a sail (or either of a pair of sails) immediately above the lowermost sail of a mast and supported by a topmast