topping lift

American  

noun

Nautical.

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

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topping lift British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of topping lift

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

“Hadn’t you better heave the boom up with the topping lift?”

From Project Gutenberg

"Get another pull on your topping lift," ordered Mr. Oliver.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Her sails were better cut and set and she pulled smoothly into the wind; Bluenose's big mainsail was so ungainly that Captain Walters had to swing it by the topping lift; her topsails were shapeless sacks.

From Time Magazine Archive

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 Project Gutenberg