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topsail

noun top·sail \ ˈtäp-ˌsāl , -səl \
variants: or less commonly tops'l play \ˈtäp-səl\
Updated on: 27 Mar 2018
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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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'topsail.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of topsail

14th century

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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