maintop

American  

[meyn-top] / ˈmeɪnˌtɒp /

noun

Nautical.

1. a platform at the head of the lower mainmast.

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maintop British  

/ ˈmeɪnˌtɒp /

noun

1. a top or platform at the head of the mainmast

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Etymology

Origin of maintop

First recorded in 1475–85; main ¹ + top ¹

Example Sentences

For reply, he made a swift motion towards the Sutherland's maintop shrouds, and almost instantly lanterns showed in them.

From Old Quebec The Fortress of New France by Bryan, Claude Glennon

Last voyage, I was walking the quarterdeck with some of my passengers, when we were all startled by seeing a figure, in white, come flying down out of the maintop.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 13 by Various

Hail the maintop; that fellow must be asleep.'

From I've Been Thinking; or, the Secret of Success by Roe, Azel Stevens

Next day Rogers found them "in a very orderly pickle, with all their clothes drying, the ship and rigging covered with them from the deck to the maintop."

From Privateers and Privateering by Statham, E. P.

The stroke was probably directed by an iron spindle, which was at the maintop gallantmast head.

From Narrative of the Voyages Round the World, Performed by Captain James Cook : with an Account of His Life During the Previous and Intervening Periods by Kippis, Andrew