plain sail

American  

noun

Nautical.

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

2. all these sails, taken collectively.

---

Etymology

Origin of plain sail

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

She was standing on with all plain sail set, and was manoeuvring in order to gain the weather-gauge.

From The Heir of Kilfinnan A Tale of the Shore and Ocean by Holloway, W. Herbert

The wind proving favourable, plain sail was made, and for the next five days we made rapid headway.

From From Lower Deck to Pulpit by Cowling, Henry

By eight the lagoon was flawed with long cat’s-paws, and the palms tossed and rustled; before ten we were clear of the passage and skimming under all plain sail, with bubbling scuppers.

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 18 (of 25) by Stevenson, Robert Louis

Apparently she had been under all plain sail when the thing happened.

From Overdue The Story of a Missing Ship by Holloway, W. Herbert

Now, however, having a chance of looking about me, my first glance was up aloft; and I noticed that the brig was under all plain sail, running before the wind, which was almost dead aft.

From On Board the Esmeralda Martin Leigh's Log - A Sea Story by Overend, William Heysham