topgallant mast

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. a mast fixed to the head of a topmast on a square-rigged vessel.

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Etymology

Origin of topgallant mast

First recorded in 1505–15

Example Sentences

Her mizzen topgallant mast had been carried away, but it looked as if all the other shots sent in her direction sped past without harm.

From Dewey and Other Naval Commanders by Ellis, Edward Sylvester

Before he had time to issue any orders the main topgallant mast was carried away, dragging the fore-topmast, and with it the jibboom.

From The Voyages of the Ranger and Crusader And what befell their Passengers and Crews. by Kingston, William Henry Giles

This was a rather fatiguing operation, although it was greatly facilitated by some rollers which Eric sawed off a spare topgallant mast that was amongst the old spars the skipper gave them.

From Fritz and Eric The Brother Crusoes by Hutcheson, John C. (John Conroy)

The action had hardly begun when the Wasp lost her main topmast, and a few minutes later the mizzen topgallant mast and the gaff were shot away.

From Dewey and Other Naval Commanders by Ellis, Edward Sylvester

More than once every flag they hoisted was shot away, and at last one of the sailors went aloft and nailed the admiral’s colours to the stump of the main topgallant mast.

From By Conduct and Courage A Story of the Days of Nelson by Rainey, W. (William)