foretop

[ fawr-top, fohr-; Nautical fawr-tuhp, fohr- ]

noun

1. a platform at the head of a fore lower mast of a ship.
2. the forelock of an animal, especially a horse.

foretop

/ ˈfɔːtəp; ˈfɔːˌtɒp /

noun

1. nautical a platform at the top of the foremast

Word History and Origins

Origin of foretop¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, foretop is from the Middle English word fortop. See fore-, top ¹

Example Sentences

Next came a poetic ode to Columbus that was as long and difficult to endure as the admiral’s voyage itself: “Then from the Pinta's foretop fell a cry, a trumpet song, ‘Light ho!

From Literature

His muscles, like whipcord, rippled as he ascended with a steady, even movement towards the isolated foretop.

From Project Gutenberg

Encouraged by my success, I opened a steady fire on the crew, and in a few moments the whole of the deck that was visible from the foretop was deserted.

From Project Gutenberg

But, although it seemed hopeless, a man was sent up to the foretop to scan the horizon.

From Project Gutenberg

If we could only get them into traces now, how beautiful it would be to stand in the foretop and drive a degree or two, on a summer sea!

From Project Gutenberg