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topsail

noun top·sail \ ˈtäp-ˌsāl , -səl \
variants: or less commonly tops'l play \ˈtäp-səl\

Definition of topsail

1 : the sail next above the lowermost sail on a mast in a square-rigged ship
2 : the sail set above and sometimes on the gaff in a fore-and-aft rigged ship

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Recent Examples of topsail from the Web

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First Known Use of topsail

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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TOPSAIL Defined for Kids

topsail

noun top·sail \ ˈtäp-ˌsāl , -səl \

Definition of topsail for Students

1 : the sail next above the lowest sail on a mast in a square-rigged ship
2 : the sail above the large sail on a mast in a ship with a fore-and-aft rig

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  1. See words that rhyme with topsail

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