headsail

[ hed-seyl; Nautical hed-suhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. any of various jibs or staysails set forward of the foremost mast of a vessel.
2. any sail set on a foremast, especially on a vessel having three or more masts.

headsail

/ ˈhɛdˌseɪl; ˈhɛdsəl /

noun

1. any sail set forward of the foremast

Word History and Origins

Origin of headsail¹

First recorded in 1620–30; head + sail

Example Sentences

John Paul himself taught me to tack and wear ship, and MacMuir to stow a headsail.

From Project Gutenberg

The essentials of the schooner are two fore-and-aft sails and a headsail (jib), any other sails being incidental.

From Project Gutenberg

The young skipper was determined to test the question, and, lashing the helm, he hoisted her headsail.

From Project Gutenberg

From for'ard came the jerking rattle of headsail halyards through the sheaves.

From Project Gutenberg

The helm was put up—the aftersails were brailed up and furled—more headsail was got on her.

From Project Gutenberg