mizzen

or miz·en

[ miz-uhn ]

noun

1. a fore-and-aft sail set on a mizzenmast. Compare crossjack, spanker ( def 1a ).
2. mizzenmast.

adjective

1. of or relating to a mizzenmast.
2. noting a sail, yard, boom, etc., or any rigging belonging to a mizzen lower mast or to some upper mast of a mizzenmast.
3. noting any stay running aft and upward to the head of a mizzen lower mast or some specified upper mast of a mizzenmast:

   mizzen topmast stay.

mizzen

/ ˈmɪzən /

noun

1. a sail set on a mizzenmast
2. See mizzenmast
   short for mizzenmast

adjective

1. of or relating to any kind of gear used with a mizzenmast

   a mizzen staysail

Word History and Origins

Origin of mizzen¹

1375–1425; late Middle English meson, mesan, probably < Italian mezzana

Word History and Origins

Origin of mizzen¹

C15: from French misaine, from Italian mezzana, mezzano middle

Example Sentences

The foremast is sprung, the main-topgallant mast is gone, and the mizzen has been snapped off close by the deck.

From Project Gutenberg

Three times they struck on the shoal; on the third occasion the mizzen-mast and sail were blown out of the boat.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the fore-topmast and mizzen-topgallantmast of the Raleigh were shot away, leaving her in a crippled state.

From Project Gutenberg

Last of all, her mizzen-mast was cut short off by the plunging shot, and fell over the side.

From Project Gutenberg

As the Constitution came up with all masts standing and sails set, the British flag was raised to the stump of the mizzen-mast.

From Project Gutenberg