spanker

[ spang-ker ]

noun

1. Nautical.
   1. a fore-and-aft sail on the aftermost lower mast of a sailing vessel having three or more masts.
   2. a designation given to the mast abaft a mizzenmast, usually the aftermost mast in any vessel.
2. Informal. a smartly moving person or animal, especially a fast horse.
3. Chiefly New England. something remarkably fine.

adjective

, Nautical.

1. of or relating to a spanker mast or its rigging.

spanker

/ ˈspæŋkə /

noun

1. nautical a fore-and-aft sail or a mast that is aftermost in a sailing vessel
2. informal.
   a person or animal that moves at a quick smart pace
3. informal.
   something outstandingly fine or large

Word History and Origins

Origin of spanker¹

First recorded in 1745–55; akin to spanking

Example Sentences

Teachers were the judge, jury and spanker — all in one.

From Washington Times

“Let’s set the spanker, I just want to see what happens!” calls the skipper, excited like a Christmas-morning child.

From Seattle Times

The spanker is in charge not because they are in the right or because they have earned that authority, but because they are bigger and might makes right.

From Salon

Inspired by the release of the Fifty Shades of Grey film, it saw sex toys including an eye mask, a leash and collar and a "feather spanker" discussed with "sex expert" Annabelle Knight.

From BBC

And for disclosure's sake, I'm not a spanker nor was spanked--though I was told my parents spanked my older siblings, so maybe they were just worn out by the time I came around.

From Time