topgallant mast

noun

, Nautical.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of topgallant mast¹

First recorded in 1505–15

Example Sentences

The foremast is sprung, the main-topgallant mast is gone, and the mizzen has been snapped off close by the deck.

From Project Gutenberg

The topgallant-mast still reared its taper form high above me, and the worst was yet to come.

From Project Gutenberg

Masts: The masts of a full-rigged three-masted ship are the following: Fore-mast, topmast, topgallant-mast, royal mast.

From Project Gutenberg

See Topgallant-mast, to which may be added its proper sail, yard, and studding-sail.

From Project Gutenberg

The top-mast, topgallant-mast, and royal-mast; any spars above these are termed poles.

From Project Gutenberg