pole mast

noun

, Nautical.

1. a mast on a sailing vessel, consisting of a single piece without separate upper masts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pole mast¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Of old it was borne on the main, the fore, or the mizzen, according as to whether the officer to whom it pertained was admiral, vice-admiral, or rear-admiral, but, as ironclads superseded wooden ships, and a single pole mast took the place of the old three masts, a different method of indicating rank was necessitated.

From Project Gutenberg

The sail had been lowered, the little pole mast stuck up above the grass bank of the garden, and upon the bank itself a man was standing and staring vaguely towards the house as though not very sure of his ground.

From Project Gutenberg

The �olus will be rigged with two pole mast, carrying light fore and aft sails only.

From Project Gutenberg

He was the commander and owner of the only tug-boat on the river, a very trim white craft of 150 tons or more, as elegantly neat as a yacht, with a round wheel-house rising like a glazed turret high above her sharp bows, and with one slender varnished pole mast forward.

From Project Gutenberg

Very far forward was a pole mast, roughly made, but European in intention, and carrying a long gaff. 

From Project Gutenberg