The correct spelling of the nautical term "jury mast" is JUH-ree MAHST. It refers to a temporary mast made from available materials in case the ship's original mast is damaged or lost. The word "jury" here is derived from the Latin word "juria," which means "law" or "oath." The term "jury mast" was widely used during the Age of Sail when ships would often carry spare materials to construct one in case of emergency.
A jury mast refers to a temporary or replacement mast that is improvised or employed on a sailing vessel when the original mast becomes damaged, lost, or needs to be replaced while at sea. It is typically a makeshift mast that is hastily put in place as a temporary measure until a proper replacement can be obtained or repairs can be made to the original mast.
The term "jury" here is derived from the Middle English term "jourē," meaning "help" or "assistance." Thus, the jury mast serves as a form of assistance or support, enabling the ship to continue sailing with some level of functionality.
A jury mast is typically constructed from materials onboard the ship, such as spare spars, booms, or even sails. It is set up by the crew using ropes and rigging to secure it in place and attach it to existing ship structures. While not as robust or stable as the original mast, a jury mast allows the vessel to maintain some level of control and maneuverability, ensuring it can continue its journey and reach the nearest port or destination for more extensive repairs.
The use of a jury mast requires skill, improvisation, and resourcefulness from the crew since it is often necessary to adapt and modify the vessel's rigging and sail plan to accommodate the temporary structure. Once the ship reaches a suitable location for repair, the jury mast will be replaced with a new, fully functional mast.
An upright bar, of which the lower extremity is fixed in a plaster-of-Paris jacket or spinal support, and the upper recurving extremity carries a sling in which the chin and occiput rest; used as a support to the head in cases of Pott's disease of the cervical vertebrae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In a ship, a temporary mast placed instead of another one lost or carried away, as in a storm.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "jury mast" is believed to have originated from the Old French term "ajurie", which meant a temporary or improvised solution. This term eventually evolved and was used to describe a temporary mast used on a ship. In naval terminology, a "jury mast" refers to a makeshift or replacement mast used when the original mast is damaged or lost at sea. The word "jury" in this context suggests a hasty or makeshift solution, as it is derived from the Latin "jurare", meaning "to swear" or "to take an oath". Hence, "jury mast" is a nautical term that signifies a quickly erected mast serving as a temporary solution.