fore-topsail Naut.
(fɔəˈtɒpseɪl, -s(ə)l)
[f. fore- prefix + topsail.]
The sail above the fore-sail; also attrib., as fore-topsail yard.
| 1582 N. Lichefield tr. Castanheda's Conq. E. Ind. xxviii. 71 a, In trimming the sayles..and foretop sayles. 1627 Capt. Smith Seaman's Gram. iv. 17 The fore top-saile yard. 1790 Beatson Nav. & Mil. Mem. II. 62 As that hung on her fore-top-sail and backed it, he had no command of his ship. 1833 M. Scott Tom Cringle ii. (1859) 64 We..handed the foretopsail and presently she was alongside. |