plain sail

noun

Nautical.

1. any of the ordinary working sails of a vessel.

2. all these sails, taken collectively.

Word History and Origins

Origin of plain sail¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

When at length the wind veered sufficiently to enable the Gannet to sail close-hauled through the surf-encompassed passage, all plain sail was set, and back to Port Royal we sped.

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When he went on deck in the morning the breeze was fresh and Columbine drove through the water under all plain sail, for they had some spare canvas on board.

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The breeze freshened and held, Columbine with all plain sail set made good speed, and they laid off a straight course on the big Atlantic chart.

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She was about two miles away, with all plain sail set, beating against the wind towards the northern end of the island.

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We weighed anchor in the afternoon of October 9, and got out of the harbour under all plain sail.

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