spanker

[ spang-ker ]

/ ˈspæŋ kər /

noun

Nautical.

a fore-and-aft sail on the aftermost lower mast of a sailing vessel having three or more masts.
a designation given to the mast abaft a mizzenmast, usually the aftermost mast in any vessel.

Informal. a smartly moving person or animal, especially a fast horse.

Chiefly New England. something remarkably fine.

adjective Nautical.

of or relating to a spanker mast or its rigging.

Nearby words

spanish west african, spanish windlass, spanish-american, spanish-american war, spank, spanker, spanking, spanner, spanrail, spanspek, spansule

Origin of spanker

First recorded in 1745–55; akin to spanking

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for spanker

Spanker received his congratulations with a loud laugh, and a hearty shake of the hand.
Tales And Novels, Volume 1 (of 10)|Maria Edgeworth
The British built at least one sail-propelled battery, the Spanker, in 1794.
Smithsonian Institution - United States National Museum - Bulletin 240|Anonymous
It was all that was left of Spanker—the stick with which he had been tied.
White Fang|Jack London
The writer has many times seen a fellow who travelled the country, nicknamed the Spanker.
The Funny Side of Physic|A. D. Crabtre

Spanker, spang′kėr, n. the after-sail of a ship or barque, so called from its flapping in the breeze.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements)|Various

British Dictionary definitions for spanker

spanker

/ (ˈspæŋkə) /

noun

nautical a fore-and-aft sail or a mast that is aftermost in a sailing vessel

informal a person or animal that moves at a quick smart pace

informal something outstandingly fine or large

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012