tophamper

American  

[top-ham-per] / ˈtɒpˌhæm pər /

Or top-hamper

noun

Nautical.

1. the light upper sails and their gear and spars, sometimes used to refer to all spars and gear above the deck.

2. any unnecessary weight, either aloft or about the upper decks.

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Etymology

Origin of tophamper

First recorded in 1785–95; top ¹ + hamper ¹

Example Sentences

Although the "butcher's bill" was light, and the destroyer had sustained no serious damage to her hull—thanks to the defective German shells—the loss of the tophamper was considerable.

From Billy Barcroft, R.N.A.S. A story of the Great War by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

"Ay," observed another, "and she's got little hold o' the water, good ground-tackle, and no tophamper; she'll weather anything, sir."

From The Lighthouse by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)