main-topsail

[ meyn-top-seyl; Nautical meyn-top-suhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a topsail set on the mainmast.

Word History and Origins

Origin of main-topsail¹

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

The northerly breeze, which we had worked with since leaving Port Henry, increased rapidly to a hard gale, and by 8 P.M. we were reduced to the close-reefed main-topsail and reefed foresail.

From Project Gutenberg

Just then we were making fourteen knots, with only a foresail, a fore-topsail, and main-topsail, the latter two close-reefed.

From Project Gutenberg

The prize ship had been laid to, with her main-topsail to the mast, and all her light sails, though clewed up, were flying loose about the yards.

From Project Gutenberg

Had there been the slightest chance of capturing the runaways the Captain would have backed the main-topsail, hove the ship to, and lowered the quarter-boat.

From Project Gutenberg

So he had the ship made snug under close-reefed main-topsail, a storm jib, and a rag of spanker.

From Project Gutenberg