forecourse

American  

[fawr-kawrs, fohr-kohrs] / ˈfɔrˌkɔrs, ˈfoʊrˌkoʊrs /

noun

1. the lowermost sail on a square-rigged foremast; a square foresail.

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forecourse British  

/ ˈfɔːˌkɔːs /

noun

1. nautical the lowest foresail on a square-rigged vessel

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Etymology

Origin of forecourse

First recorded in 1620–30; fore- + course

Example Sentences

Our sails, wound up, lay without their use, and if at any time we bore but a Hollocke, or half forecourse, to guide her before the Sea, six and sometimes eight men, were not enough to hold the whip-staffe in the steerage, and the tiller below in the Gunner room; by which may be imagined the strength of the storm, in which the Sea swelled above the Clouds and gave battle unto heaven.

From Project Gutenberg

We cold just get into the sailroom and got up a new forecourse and stuck it full of oakum and rags, and put itt under the ship's bottom; this is called fothering the ship.

From Project Gutenberg

The men, who had hardly shifted their clothes and turned in, after being relieved by the port watch at eight bells, came tumbling up on deck hurriedly, and the skipper at once ordered the topsail and foresail to be reefed, spanker to be brailed up, and the main course furled; while the vessel was kept with her head to the southward, that is, as well as the cross sea and the fitful gusts of wind would allow, under her jib, fore and main-topsails and forecourse.

From Project Gutenberg

“We must have the main-sail and forecourse on her,” he said a few minutes later to Mr Mackay.

From Project Gutenberg

The forecourse was selected, as being of considerable dimensions; and this, when detached from its yard, was dragged up on the beach and spread out to dry.

From Project Gutenberg