foretop

American  

[fawr-top, fohr-, fawr-tuhp, fohr-] / ˈfɔrˌtɒp, ˈfoʊr-, ˈfɔr təp, ˈfoʊr- /

noun

1. a platform at the head of a fore lower mast of a ship.

2. the forelock of an animal, especially a horse.

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foretop British  

/ ˈfɔːtəp, ˈfɔːˌtɒp /

noun

1. nautical a platform at the top of the foremast

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Etymology

Origin of foretop

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

Example Sentences

He climbs cautiously to the foretop to make certain, and sings out Albricias!

From Time Magazine Archive

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 "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

"Just now he climbed up the rigging, inserted his person through the lubber's hole, and seated himself in the foretop."

From The Funny Philosophers Wags and Sweethearts by Yellott, George

Then the breeze went round to fair again, the sea went down, and the birds came back; and one afternoon a shout was heard from the foretop that made Archie’s heart jump for very joy.

From From Squire to Squatter A Tale of the Old Land and the New by Stables, Gordon

From the foretop, in clear and mellifluous tones, was heard the following melody: Farewell! farewell! but ever, When wand'ring o'er the sea, Though worlds of water sever, This heart shall turn to thee.

From The Funny Philosophers Wags and Sweethearts by Yellott, George