gaff topsail

[gaf top-seyl, top-suhl]

noun

Nautical.

1. Also called fore-and-aft topsail. a jib-headed fore-and-aft sail set above a gaff.

2. a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail set above the spanker of a bark, between the gaff of the spanker and an upper gaff.

gaff-topsail

noun

1. a sail set above a gaffsail

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaff-topsail¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

A belt of smoky red spread swiftly along the horizon, he heard the high gaff topsail flap, booms rattled and then the yacht got quiet.

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"Has this sail been kept on the yacht all night?" said I, looking up at the wide spread of mainsail and gaff topsail.

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The sharp crack of a shot from the six-pounder was the reply, and simultaneously, holes appeared in the gaff topsail and the main topgallant staysail.

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Used aboard yachts for bending on the gaff topsail halliards.

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The big gaff topsail was next hauled down and carefully stowed away, and finally the mainsail was lowered, stowed, and the coat put over it.

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