gaff topsail

[ gaf top-seyl; Nautical top-suhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. Also called fore-and-aft topsail. a jib-headed fore-and-aft sail set above a gaff.
2. a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail set above the spanker of a bark, between the gaff of the spanker and an upper gaff.

gaff-topsail

noun

1. a sail set above a gaffsail

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaff topsail¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

A belt of smoky red spread swiftly along the horizon, he heard the high gaff topsail flap, booms rattled and then the yacht got quiet.

From Project Gutenberg

"Has this sail been kept on the yacht all night?" said I, looking up at the wide spread of mainsail and gaff topsail.

From Project Gutenberg

The sharp crack of a shot from the six-pounder was the reply, and simultaneously, holes appeared in the gaff topsail and the main topgallant staysail.

From Project Gutenberg

Used aboard yachts for bending on the gaff topsail halliards.

From Project Gutenberg

The big gaff topsail was next hauled down and carefully stowed away, and finally the mainsail was lowered, stowed, and the coat put over it.

From Project Gutenberg