Gaff Topsail (Noun)
Meaning
A triangular fore-and-aft sail with its foot along the gaff and its luff on the topmast.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The old sailing ship was recognizable by its distinctive gaff-topsail, which towered above the deck.
- Gaff-topsails were an essential component of 19th-century sailing vessels, providing additional speed and maneuverability.
- The sailors worked together to raise the gaff-topsail, securing the ropes and checking the tension.
- As the gaff-topsail billowed in the wind, the ship picked up speed and headed towards the open sea.
- Historic sailing ships often featured a large gaff-topsail that added to the vessels' impressive silhouette.