The spelling of "jurymast" may seem unusual to some, but it is a legitimate nautical term that refers to the vertical support structure for a ship's jury rig, which is a temporary set of sails used in emergency situations. The word is pronounced /ˈdʒʊəriˌmæst/, with the stress on the first syllable and a long "u" sound. The origin of the word is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from the Dutch word "juriemeest," which means mast for emergency sails.
A jurymast is a nautical term that refers to a temporary mast that is erected on a ship when the original mast has been damaged or destroyed. This term is derived from the word "jury-rigged," which means to make temporary repairs or modifications to something. The purpose of a jurymast is to provide support and stability to the ship's sails and rigging until a proper repair or replacement can be made.
A jurymast is typically made from available materials on board the ship, such as spare spars or booms. It is erected by securing the base of the mast to the ship's deck or hull and then rigging the necessary stays or shrouds for stability. The jurymast is then used to hoist and secure the ship's sails, allowing the vessel to continue its journey or reach a safe harbor.
The use of a jurymast dates back to ancient naval practices, where a damaged mast could mean the loss of a ship's ability to sail effectively. By improvising and erecting a temporary mast, sailors could maintain control over their vessel and navigate the seas until proper repairs could be made.
The term "jurymast" can also be used metaphorically to describe a makeshift or temporary solution in other contexts. It implies a practical, quick-fix approach to a problem, often arising from necessity or urgency.
The word jurymast has a nautical origin and comes from Middle English jurimast or jury-mast. The term dates back to the 16th century and likely has its root in the Old French word jouree, which meant a day's work.
In maritime context, a jurymast refers to a temporary or makeshift mast erected on a ship when the original mast(s) has been damaged or lost at sea. The term suggests that such a mast could be quickly assembled, allowing the ship to continue its journey until a proper repair could be made.
It is believed that the phrase jury-mast originally derived from the Latin expression journée mast or diurna mast (meaning day mast), which indicated a mast that could last for a day. Over time, the word evolved and shifted in spelling to become jurymast.