Definition of topsail Topsail

top•sail

We found 5 definitions of topsail from 4 different sources.

What does topsail mean?

Plural: topsails

topsail - a sail (or either of a pair of sails) immediately above the lowermost sail of a mast and supported by a topmast

sail, canvas, canvass, sheet a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel

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topsail (Noun)
A sail or either of the two sails rigged just above the course sail and supported by the topmast on a square-rigged sailing ship.
topsail (Noun)
In a fore-and-aft -rigged sailing boat, the sail that is set above the gaff at the top part of the mast.

topsail (n.)
In a square-rigged vessel, the sail next above the lowermost sail on a mast. This sail is the one most frequently reefed or furled in working the ship. In a fore-and-aft rigged vessel, the sail set upon and above the gaff. See Cutter, Schooner, Sail, and Ship.