main-topsail

[ meyn-top-seyl; Nautical meyn-top-suhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a topsail set on the mainmast.

Word History and Origins

Origin of main-topsail¹

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

Captain Packenham was not a man to run away from either one or the other, so we backed our main-topsail, and lay-to for them.

From Project Gutenberg

The main-topgallantsail was let fly, the main-topsail brailed up so as to take the strain off the yard.

From Project Gutenberg

Fill the main-topsail,” cried I. “Up with your helm, my man, and let her gather way.

From Project Gutenberg

One awful morning in November, 1864, the vessel was hove-to under close-reefed main topsail.

From Project Gutenberg

After the tackling was prepared and in good working order, it took me the greater part of a day to hoist the main topsail.

From Project Gutenberg