headsail

[ hed-seyl; Nautical hed-suhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. any of various jibs or staysails set forward of the foremost mast of a vessel.
2. any sail set on a foremast, especially on a vessel having three or more masts.

headsail

/ ˈhɛdˌseɪl; ˈhɛdsəl /

noun

1. any sail set forward of the foremast

Word History and Origins

Origin of headsail¹

First recorded in 1620–30; head + sail

Example Sentences

They took the headsail down and went as slowly as possible until daylight, when they checked the boat for damage.

From Seattle Times

To reduce wind resistance, they swapped out the pointy bowsprit between the boat's two hulls with a stubbier version, because the winds were too strong for the billowing headsail that attaches to it.

From Reuters

The boat came around a lot faster than I anticipated, and I felt Luna Rossa Swordfish jump as the wind took the big headsail.

From New York Times

Then, while Carroll slipped the moorings, he ran up the headsails, and springing aft, seized the tiller as the boat, slanting over, began to forge through the water.

From Project Gutenberg

“Lower away your dinghy,” cried McBain to Allan, as he hauled the headsails to windward and stopped the cutter’s way, “it will be a bit of practice for you.”

From Project Gutenberg