mainsail

[ meyn-seyl; Nautical meyn-suhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. the lowermost sail on a mainmast.

mainsail

/ ˈmeɪnsəl; ˈmeɪnˌseɪl /

noun

1. nautical the largest and lowermost sail on the mainmast

Word History and Origins

Origin of mainsail¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; main ¹, sail

Example Sentences

What they saw was the yacht Eagle, not far from the bluff, under full mainsail, standing out of the cove.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, although she carried an enormous club-topsail and a mainsail of big area, she heeled over the least of any of the boats.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he proceeded to untie the stops in the mainsail, and was thus engaged when a voice hailed him from the shore.

From Project Gutenberg

The size of the jib is also influenced by the fact that it has to balance the equally enormous mainsail.

From Project Gutenberg

In reefing the mainsail is accessible, and the absence of the long boom of the cat-boat is readily appreciated.

From Project Gutenberg