topgallant

British  

/ ˌtɒpˈɡælənt, təˈɡælənt /

noun

1. Also called: topgallant mast.  a mast on a square-rigger above a topmast or an extension of a topmast

2. Also called: topgallant sail.  a sail set on a yard of a topgallant mast

3. (modifier) of or relating to a topgallant

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Etymology

Origin of topgallant

C16: from _top ¹ + _gallant

Example Sentences

Like acrobats, the crew scurried up the masts to the upper topgallant sails that rose nearly 200 feet above us.

From New York Times • Jun. 3, 2024

Both vessels carried their topgallant sails, although the masts bent and threatened to go over the side.

From Cruise and Captures of the Alabama by Goodrich, Albert M.

The reefs of the Alabama’s topsails were shaken out and preparations made to set the topgallant sails in case it should be necessary, and the cruiser ran down diagonally toward the stranger’s path.

From Cruise and Captures of the Alabama by Goodrich, Albert M.

The ship was on her beam end, her topgallant yards under water.

From Bark Kathleen Sunk By A Whale by Jenkins, Thomas H.

That topgallant sail is drawing, Mr Lowe; cast off the tow-rope, recall the boats, and hoist them in.

From The Ruined Cities of Zululand by Walmsley, Hugh Mulleneux