SQUARE SAIL Meaning and
Definition
-
A square sail is a type of sail with a quadrilateral shape that is primarily used in sailing ships. It is typically characterized by its broad, rectangular form with equally straight sides and corners. The term "square" refers to the sail's shape, which resembles a square or a rectangular prism when at full deployment.
Square sails are attached to masts and utilize the wind's force to propel a ship across the water. They are generally positioned parallel to the sides of the vessel, spreading along horizontal yardarms. Square sails are commonly found in older sailing vessels, such as traditional tall ships, galleons, and Viking longships.
The design of square sails allows them to harness the wind efficiently when sailing with a following wind or a beam reach. However, their effectiveness decreases when sailing closer to the wind due to the limitations of their design. Square sails are equipped with several lines and ropes, known as sheets and halyards, which allow sailors to control and adjust their position and shape to maximize their performance.
Square sails have played a significant role in maritime history, enabling explorers, traders, and navies to traverse vast distances across the oceans. They are revered for their simplicity and reliability, although they have been largely replaced by more versatile and efficient sail designs, such as the triangular Bermuda rig, on modern sailing yachts.
-
A four-sided sail extended to a yard.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SQUARE SAIL
- aquare sail
- zquare sail
- xquare sail
- dquare sail
- equare sail
- wquare sail
- s1uare sail
- s2uare sail
- swuare sail
- sauare sail
- sqyare sail
- sqhare sail
- sqjare sail
- sqiare sail
- sq8are sail
- sq7are sail
- squzre sail
- squsre sail
- squwre sail
Etymology of SQUARE SAIL
The word "square sail" has a straightforward etymology. The term "sail" comes from the Old English word "seġl", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*segla". This word eventually evolved into "sail" in Middle English.
The word "square" in "square sail" refers to the shape of the sail itself, which is a rectangle with all sides at right angles, forming a square-like shape. The word "square" comes from the Old French word "esquare", meaning "a square, a square-shaped panel". This is derived from the Latin word "exquadra", which similarly means "a square".
Therefore, the etymology of "square sail" can be understood as a combination of the word "sail", referring to the device used to capture the wind and propel a vessel, and "square", describing the shape of the sail itself.
Similar spelling words for SQUARE SAIL
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
