Goosewinged is spelled /ˈɡuːsˌwɪŋd/, with the stress on the first syllable. The word refers to a sailing maneuver where the mainsail of a boat is suddenly set to one side and held in place by the wind, allowing the boat to move swiftly in a zigzag pattern. The spelling may seem strange due to the combination of the words "goose" and "winged," but it accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word. Proper spelling is crucial for clear communication, especially in technical or specialized language.
"Goosewinged" is a technical nautical term used to describe a specific position of a sailing ship's sails when they are set in a particular configuration. This term is commonly used in the context of square-rigged ships, which have square-shaped sails suspended from horizontal yards.
In the goosewinged configuration, the ship's fore-and-aft sails, typically known as foresails, are set on opposite sides of the vessel's longitudinal axis. This arrangement requires the fore-and-aft arrangement of the masts and sails to be offset, causing them to resemble a "V" shape when observed from above. The foresails are positioned with one sail on each side, with the leeward sail on the port side and the windward sail on the starboard side (or vice versa).
The goosewinged setup is often used when sailing downwind, allowing the ship to catch favorable breezes more efficiently while achieving maximum speed. The combined effect of the sails on both sides helps to maintain a balanced and steady course while taking advantage of the wind's force. By harnessing the power of the wind effectively, a sailing vessel can optimize its performance by employing the goosewinged configuration.
Overall, "goosewinged" is a term used in maritime contexts to describe the specific positioning of sails on square-rigged ships when sailing downwind, enabling them to take advantage of favorable winds and maximize their speed and efficiency.
The word "goosewinged" is derived from two components: "goose" and "winged".
The term "goose" originated from the Old English word "gōs", which ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "gansaz". This word is believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ghans-" meaning "goose" or "gander". Over time, "goose" came to be associated with the bird species Anser anser, commonly known as the domestic goose.
The term "winged" comes from the Old English word "winged", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "wengodaz". This word is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*wenk-", meaning "to bend" or "to curve".