TOPSAIL Meaning and
Definition
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A topsail is a type of sail in sailing ships that is set above the lower sails, typically mounted on a mast located above the mainmast. It is called a topsail due to its position at the top part of the ship's rigging. The purpose of a topsail is to increase the total sail area and provide additional power to the ship by catching the higher, stronger winds that are often found at greater heights.
Typically, a topsail is smaller in size compared to the lower sails, known as the mainsail and foresail. It is triangular or quadrilateral in shape and is usually set on a yard, a horizontal spar that is attached to the mast. The topsail may be attached to a topmast, which is an extension of the mainmast, or it may have a separate topmast specifically for the topsail alone. This allows for effective control and adjustment of the sail, as well as the ability to manage different wind conditions.
The topsail can be adjusted by hoisting or lowering it on the yard, and also by tightening or loosening its lines, called sheets and halyards. The correct setting of a topsail involves skill and experience, as improper adjustment can negatively affect the ship's balance and sailing performance.
Overall, the topsail serves as a crucial component in the sailing ship's rigging system, enhancing its maneuverability and speed by utilizing the winds at higher altitudes.
Common Misspellings for TOPSAIL
Etymology of TOPSAIL
The word "topsail" has its origins in Old English and is derived from the combination of two words: "top" and "sail".
The term "top" in this context refers to the uppermost part or highest point of a structure, such as a mast or a sail. It comes from the Old English word "topp" which means the summit or crown of something.
The word "sail" refers to the large piece of fabric, usually made of canvas, used to catch the wind and propel a vessel. It comes from the Old English word "segel" which means a sail or a curtain.
So, when these two words are combined, "topsail" refers to the sail that is positioned above one or more other sails on a sailing ship. The topsail is located above the lower sails and is used to provide additional power and control to the vessel.
Similar spelling words for TOPSAIL
- Deposal,
- DPSOL,
- Deposul,
- gaff-topsail,
- main-topsail,
- TBSSL,
- Topsall,
- topsoil,
- Tipsily,
- tapsell,
- dubiously,
- Dobieslaw,
- Tapazole,
- DPCILO,
- Jib-topsail,
- DBSLY,
- DOBIZLO,
- fore-topsail.
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