headsail
Americannoun
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any of various jibs or staysails set forward of the foremost mast of a vessel.
-
any sail set on a foremast, especially on a vessel having three or more masts.
noun
Etymology
Origin of headsail
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
To reduce wind resistance, they swapped out the pointy bowsprit between the boat's two hulls with a stubbier version, because the winds were too strong for the billowing headsail that attaches to it.
From Reuters ● Sep. 29, 2013
"Ease, ease!!" shouted Rex Herbert, headsail trimmer and yacht broker at Sparkman & Stephens Brokerage.
From Time Magazine Archive
Barely had the crewmen cleared the headsail when Gretel II nosed into a heavy wave that bucked Crewman Paul Salmon off the slippery deck.
From Time Magazine Archive
With a 100 percent headsail, she carries about 4,100 square feet of sail on the Southern Spars four-spreader mast.
From Time Magazine Archive
I saw under the curve of my headsail the long and hazy line, which is the only frontier of England; the plain that rather marries with than defies her peculiar seas.
From Hills and the Sea by Hilaire Belloc
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