flying kite

noun

, Nautical.

1. any of various sails set above the royals or skysails in light weather; jolly jumper.
2. any of various light upper staysails, studdingsails, or jibs.
3. (in yachting) any of various racing sails, as spinnakers or balloon jibs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flying kite¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

There was a good deal of special skill required for the production of a flying-kite.

From Project Gutenberg

It is very destructive to the flying-kite school, and many lives have been sacrificed by it.

From Project Gutenberg