fore-topmast

American  

[fawr-top-mast, -mahst, fohr-, fawr-top-muhst, fohr-] / ˌfɔrˈtɒpˌmæst, -ˌmɑst, ˌfoʊr-, ˌfɔrˈtɒp məst, ˌfoʊr- /

noun

1. the spar or section of a pole mast serving as the topmast of a foremast on a ship.

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fore-topmast British  

/ fɔːˈtɒpməst, fɔːˈtɒpˌmɑːst /

noun

1. nautical a mast stepped above a foremast

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Etymology

Origin of fore-topmast

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

The latter, which was an eighteen-gun brig, engaged her, but lost her fore-topmast.

From By Conduct and Courage A Story of the Days of Nelson by Rainey, W. (William)

We had now reason to bless the fortunate shot that had crippled her fore-topmast; for she was afraid to carry such a press of sail as she otherwise would have done.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 10 by Various

Even with the naked eye they soon could see that her bulwarks were badly battered, and that her fore-topmast had been carried away.

From Annie o' the Banks o' Dee by Stables, Gordon

A rope rove through a sheave or block on the fore-topmast head, for hoisting the jib.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

The rigging is in tatters and the fore-topmast in danger, and the carpenter reports two serious leaks.

From Stories of Our Naval Heroes Every Child Can Read by Hurlbut, Jesse Lyman