mizzen
or miz·en
[miz-uh n]Nautical
noun
a fore-and-aft sail set on a mizzenmast.Compare crossjack, spanker(def 1a).
adjective
of or relating to a mizzenmast.
noting a sail, yard, boom, etc., or any rigging belonging to a mizzen lower mast or to some upper mast of a mizzenmast.
noting any stay running aft and upward to the head of a mizzen lower mast or some specified upper mast of a mizzenmast: mizzen topmast stay.
Origin of mizzen
1375–1425; late Middle English meson, mesan, probably < Italian mezzana
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for mizzen
hinder, last, reverse, behind, rearward, hind, posterior, tail, stern, following, postern, aft, after, astern, backward, hindmost, rearmost, dorsal, hindermost, retralExamples from the Web for mizzen
Historical Examples of mizzen
Two others stood ready at the foot of the main and mizzen riggings.
Homeward BoundJames Fenimore Cooper
This move brought him into a safe place between the mainmast and the mizzen.
Blow The Man DownHolman Day
He squinted at the mizzen rigging where the lanterns revealed the damage.
Blow The Man DownHolman Day
Mayo, returning to the mizzen, found the entire crew grouped there.
Blow The Man DownHolman Day
We control the braces on the mizzen, although they control the canvas on the mizzen.
The Mutiny of the ElsinoreJack London
mizzen
mizen
nautical
noun
adjective
Word Origin for mizzen
C15: from French misaine, from Italian mezzana, mezzano middle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper