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topmast

[top-mast, -mahst; Nautical top-muh st]
noun Nautical.
  1. the mast next above a lower mast, usually formed as a separate spar from the lower mast and used to support the yards or rigging of a topsail or topsails.
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Origin of topmast

First recorded in 1475–85; top1 + mast1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for topmast

Historical Examples

  • Canst tell a ship's topmast from a squirrel if one should heave in sight?

    Standish of Standish

    Jane G. Austin

  • The captain took up the receiver, which communicated with the topmast.

  • Now, if we could but get a fresh spar for a topmast, we should soon be all ataunto.

  • Suppose you send that topmast down in the morning and generally overhaul.

    A Son Of The Sun

    Jack London

  • “Clear away the wreck of the topmast, my lads,” exclaimed the master.

British Dictionary definitions for topmast

topmast

noun
  1. the mast next above a lower mast on a sailing vessel
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012