maintop

American  

[meyn-top] / ˈmeɪnˌtɒp /

noun

Nautical.

1. a platform at the head of the lower mainmast.

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maintop British  

/ ˈmeɪnˌtɒp /

noun

1. a top or platform at the head of the mainmast

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Etymology

Origin of maintop

First recorded in 1475–85; main ¹ + top ¹

Example Sentences

“Hurrah!” he shouted again, this time flinging his cap in true Highland fashion half-way up to the maintop.

From The Cruise of the Snowbird A Story of Arctic Adventure by Stables, Gordon

One dark night, another of the unfortunate maintop men was lost overboard: he had been born and bred upon the ocean, and thus singularly met his watery grave.

From Los Gringos Or, An Inside View of Mexico and California, with Wanderings in Peru, Chili, and Polynesia by Wise, H. A. (Henry Augustus)

They specify in advance what portion goes to every man, from the maintop to the keel . . . though the commander and officers naturally must receive a larger share.

From Caribbee by Hoover, Thomas

Hail the maintop; that fellow must be asleep.'

From I've Been Thinking; or, the Secret of Success by Roe, Azel Stevens

Another dreamed three nights running the same dream, and every blessed time he saw the Isidore strike on a lee shore with the sea a-flying as high as the maintop.

From Nooks and Corners of the New England Coast by Drake, Samuel Adams