skysail

[ skahy-seyl; Nautical skahy-suhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. (in a square-rigged vessel) a light square sail next above the royal.
2. a triangular sail set on a stay between the fore and main trucks of a racing schooner.

skysail

/ ˈskaɪˌseɪl /

noun

1. a square sail set above the royal on a square-rigger
2. a triangular sail set between the trucks of a racing schooner

Word History and Origins

Origin of skysail¹

First recorded in 1820–30; sky + sail

Example Sentences

Sink me red ensign run a rig long clothes skysail boatswain me.

From Seattle Times

"By heavens! the little witch still holds her way with us!—Have the skysail set, and rig out the top-gallant-studd'n'sail!"

From Project Gutenberg

He was as steady as a bollard, And gallant as a skysail yard.

From Project Gutenberg

Near to starboard was a white ship, fully rigged, standing towards the island with royals set, and even a towering main skysail.

From Project Gutenberg

She was on a wind, with everything set, from courses to skysails, and was ploughing her way through the gently ruffled sea, with the rapidity, and at the same time, the grace of the swan.

From Project Gutenberg