topping lift

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. a line for raising and supporting a spar, as a yard or boom.

---

topping lift British  

noun

1. nautical a line or cable for raising the end of a boom that is away from the mast

---

Etymology

Origin of topping lift

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

In more recent ships a special derrick boom is rigged for this block, and a second accumulator is sometimes inserted between the topping lift by which this is raised and the end of the boom.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 7 "Drama" to "Dublin" by Various

Before Mr. Bangs's wondering eyes the sail was hoisted, the topping lift set up, and the boat got under way again before he had had hardly time to think what had happened.

From The Rival Campers Ashore The Mystery of the Mill by Smith, Ruel Perley

The jib-halyard had a block on the sail, and then, with the topping lift, came down on the port side. 

From The Voyage Alone in the Yawl "Rob Roy" by MacGregor, John

At seven o'clock it was very dark, and I directed the watch I had set for the first part of the night to rig lanterns at the fore-stay and the topping lift of the main-boom.

From Up the River or, Yachting on the Mississippi by Optic, Oliver

“Let go that topping lift, Pop!” he cried.

From The Go Ahead Boys in the Island Camp by Kay, Ross