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

In a twinkling the flames had risen Half-way to maintop and mizzen, Darting up the shrouds like snakes!

From Lives of Poor Boys Who Became Famous by Bolton, Sarah K.

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

I will come down at once,” and steadily he descended to the maintop, where the sailor who had spoken to him abused him roundly.

From By Conduct and Courage A Story of the Days of Nelson by Rainey, W. (William)

At the maintop flames the flag of the seven provinces of the Netherlands, emblazoned with a red lion rampant, bearing in his paws a sword and seven arrows.

From Dutch and English on the Hudson A Chronicle of Colonial New York by Goodwin, Maud Wilder

A breeze springing up soon after noon, the fog lifted, when away dead to leeward a ship was descried, her maintop just appearing above the horizon.

From Jack Buntline by Kingston, William Henry Giles