main-topmast
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of main-topmast
First recorded in 1485–95
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.
One shot, directed by chance, certainly not by skill, struck her main-topmast, and down it came tumbling on deck.
From Hurricane Hurry by Kingston, William Henry Giles
The main-topmast, since it supported the wireless aerials, had perforce to remain.
From The Fight for Constantinople A Story of the Gallipoli Peninsula by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)
Here she clung with a convulsive grasp to the main-topmast, while Guy secured her in her position with a rope.
From The Lifeboat by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)
The fore-and-main trysails; fore-and-aft sails set with gaffs, introduced instead of main-topmast and mizen staysails.
From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir
She was bravely defended; but in two hours we compelled her to strike her flag, with the loss of her mizzen-mast and fore and main-topmast.
From Will Weatherhelm The Yarn of an Old Sailor by Webb, Archibald
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
