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mainsheet

American  
[meyn-sheet] / ˈmeɪnˌʃit /

noun

Nautical.
  1. a sheet of a mainsail.


mainsheet British  
/ ˈmeɪnˌʃiːt /

noun

  1. nautical the line used to control the angle of the mainsail to the wind

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of mainsheet

First recorded in 1475–85; main 1, sheet 1

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.

According to a timeline of events released by the team, Mr Fisher was hit by the mainsheet system and knocked overboard.

From BBC

As the mainsail swung across the boat, the mainsheet system caught Fisher and knocked him off, the team said.

From Washington Times

As the mainsail swung across the boat, the mainsheet system caught Fisher and knocked him off the boat, the team said.

From Washington Times

Ashman, a 49-year-old British paramedic, died Sept. 5 after he was struck and knocked unconscious by either the boom or the mainsheet, a rope that connects to the boom.

From New York Times

Daniel eased the mainsheet and let the boom swing out.

From New York Times