square sail

noun

, Nautical.

1. a sail set beneath a horizontal yard, the normal position of which, when not trimmed to the wind, is directly athwartships.

square sail

noun

1. nautical a rectangular or square sail set on a horizontal yard rigged more or less athwartships

Word History and Origins

Origin of square sail¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

The end of the whale line was then hooked to the clewline of the fore-square-sail, which had been detached for the purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

She's a brigantine, and there are sprits'ls on both masts, and only one square sail on the foremast.

From Project Gutenberg

Both these kinds of vessels were provided with a mast, a square sail, and coils of cordage known by the name of cordelles.

From Project Gutenberg

If it goes round a point more we will get the square-sail ready for hoisting.

From Project Gutenberg

The cutter followed her example, and hoisted a large square sail.

From Project Gutenberg