The phrase "more mizzen" is used in the sailing world to mean "put more sail up on the mizzen mast". The spelling of "mizzen" can be tricky for non-sailors, as the "z" might make you want to pronounce it like "miz-en". However, the correct pronunciation is "miz-en" with a short "i" sound, as indicated by the IPA phonetic transcription [ˈmɪzən]. So if you hear someone shout "more mizzen!", don't be fooled by the spelling - they're just asking for more sail on the aft mast.
"More mizzen" is a nautical term referring to the sailing technique of adding an extra or additional mizzen mast on a ship. It is derived from the words "more" meaning additional or extra, and "mizzen" which is the term for the aftmost mast on a sailing vessel.
The mizzen mast is typically located toward the rear or stern of the ship, behind the larger main mast. It is usually smaller in size and positioned slightly forward of the ship's rudder. The purpose of the mizzen mast is to support additional sails that aid in maneuvering and balancing the vessel in different wind and sea conditions.
By attaching more sails to the mizzen mast, a ship can gain better control over its speed, direction, and stability. This technique is commonly employed during challenging weather conditions, such as strong winds or rough seas, where extra sail area is required to maintain balance and optimize propulsion.
The addition of a "more mizzen" arrangement allows for greater versatility in sail settings, enabling the ship's crew to adjust and optimize the ship's performance based on prevailing wind direction and strength. This technique has been historically utilized in various types of sailing ships, including schooners, brigs, and other multi-masted vessels, to navigate efficiently and safely.
The term more mizzen does not have a specific etymology since it is not a universally recognized or commonly used phrase. Mizzen refers to a specific sail or mast on a sailing ship, typically located behind the main mast. However, more mizzen does not carry a known meaning or historical usage. It is possible that it has been utilized in a specific context or within a specific community, in which case its etymology may be specific to that context. Without further information, it is difficult to determine the precise origin or meaning of the phrase more mizzen.