mast

¹mast

noun \ˈmast\

Definition of MAST

1

: a long pole or spar rising from the keel or deck of a ship and supporting the yards, booms, and rigging

2

: a slender vertical or nearly vertical structure (as an upright post in various cranes)

3

: a disciplinary proceeding at which the commanding officer of a naval unit hears and disposes of cases against enlisted men —called also captain's mast

— mast·ed \ˈmas-təd\ adjective

— before the mast

1

: forward of the foremast

2

: as a common sailor

Origin of MAST

Middle English, from Old English mæst; akin to Old High German mast mast, Latin malus

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

Rhymes with MAST

bast, blast, cast, clast, fast, gast, ghast, last, Nast, past, vast

²mast

transitive verb

Definition of MAST

: to furnish with a mast

First Known Use of MAST

circa 1513

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

³mast

noun

Definition of MAST

: nuts (as acorns) accumulated on the forest floor and often serving as food for animals

Origin of MAST

Middle English, from Old English mæst; akin to Old High German mast food, mast, and probably to Old English mete food — more at meat

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, rut