foresheet

[fawr-sheet, fohr-]

noun

Nautical.

1. the sheet of a headsail.

2. (used with a plural verb),  foresheets, the space, in an open boat, in front of the foremost rower's seat.

foresheet

/ ˈfɔːˌʃiːt /

noun

1. the sheet of a foresail

2. (plural) the part forward of the foremost thwart of a boat

Word History and Origins

Origin of foresheet¹

First recorded in 1660–70; fore- + sheet ²

Example Sentences

Letting the foresheet draw, they ran before the wind for about a quarter of an hour; then, heaving-to again, the cork was taken out of the syphon, and the yacht began to fill gradually.

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A triumphant light came into his eyes, and then, putting away the diary, he ran on deck, let the foresheet draw, and as he steered the vessel on her course over the dancing waves, the expression of his face indicated a happy confidence in the future; all doubt and fear had fled.

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Mark pulled the foresheet tight to the other side.

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Bevis expected her to do as he had seen the yachts and ships at the seaside, and as he had read was the proper way, to come round slowly facing the wind, till just as she passed the straight line as it were of the breeze, Mark would have to tighten the foresheet, and the wind would press on the foresail like a lever and complete the turn.

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Mark tightened the other foresheet, and they began to sail back again.

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