topsail

[ top-seyl; Nautical top-suhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a sail, or either of a pair of sails, set immediately above the lowermost sail of a mast and supported by a topmast.

topsail

/ ˈtɒpsəl; ˈtɒpˌseɪl /

noun

1. a square sail carried on a yard set on a topmast

Word History and Origins

Origin of topsail¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, topsail is from the Middle English word topseil. See top ¹, sail

Example Sentences

“Her topsails and royals are catching a breeze that’s too high for us.”

From Literature

Brethren of the Coast cutlass Plate Fleet wherry topsail parrel belay.

From Seattle Times

Now is when exultant crew members climb high into the rigging, even as the boat rolls and shimmies, to unfurl the topsails.

From Seattle Times

Friday, set and strike three topsails, and then fire a 21-gun salute off Castle Island in South Boston.

From Washington Times

What: A full-size replica of a topsail schooner used by privateers in the War of 1812 to attack British ships.

From Washington Post