spritsail

[ sprit-seyl; Nautical sprit-suhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a sail extended by a sprit.

spritsail

/ ˈsprɪtˌseɪl; ˈsprɪtsəl /

noun

1. a rectangular sail mounted on a sprit in some 19th-century small vessels
2. (in medieval rigging) a square sail mounted on a yard on the bowsprit

Word History and Origins

Origin of spritsail¹

1425–75; late Middle English sprete seyle ( sprit, sail ); compare Dutch sprietzeil

Example Sentences

Hell want a bigger kerchief than a spritsail now, Ill be bound.

From Project Gutenberg

The spritsail filled with the wind, suddenly, careening the frail open craft till it seemed it would surely capsize.

From Project Gutenberg

The spritsail flapped emptily and the boat righted to an even keel, causing the two men swiftly to change position.

From Project Gutenberg

Early in the morning I had noticed a tiny outrigger canoe, with an impossible spritsail, skimming the surface of the lagoon.

From Project Gutenberg

The people rushed from the guns, and crowded out upon the bowsprit, the spritsail-yard, and the knightheads.

From Project Gutenberg