Topsail: meaning, definitions and examples
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topsail
[ ˈtɒpseɪl ]
sailing term
A topsail is a sail set above the course sail on a ship, typically used in traditional sailing vessels. It is usually rigged above the main or foremast and provides additional sail area for better speed and maneuverability. Topsails can be adjusted according to wind conditions and are crucial for harnessing wind energy effectively. In various sailing contexts, the term may refer to specific types of topsails, such as the jib topsail or the main topsail, each serving its purpose in different sailing scenarios.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The crew hoisted the topsail to catch the strong wind.
- Navigating with the topsail allows for greater speed on the open sea.
- Topsails are essential for sailing larger vessels efficiently.
Translations
Translations of the word "topsail" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vela superior
🇮🇳 टॉपसेल
🇩🇪 Obersegel
🇮🇩 layar atas
🇺🇦 верхній парус
🇵🇱 górny żagiel
🇯🇵 トプセイル
🇫🇷 grand-voile
🇪🇸 vela de arriba
🇹🇷 üst yelken
🇰🇷 톱세일
🇸🇦 الستارة العليا
🇨🇿 vrchní plachta
🇸🇰 horný plachta
🇨🇳 顶帆
🇸🇮 zgornja jadra
🇮🇸 efri segl
🇰🇿 жоғарғы жел
🇬🇪 ზემდგომი帆
🇦🇿 yuxarı yelkən
🇲🇽 vela superior
Etymology
The word 'topsail' originates from the Middle English term 'tophal', which itself comes from the Old English 'top' meaning 'highest point or part' combined with 'sail'. Its usage can be traced back to the medieval period when sailing ships began to evolve into more complex vessels with multiple sails for improved navigation and speed. The topsail allowed sailors to better utilize the wind's power, facilitating long voyages across oceans. Over time, the design and rigging of topsails became more specialized, leading to variations in size and shape that catered to different types of ships. As maritime technology advanced, topsails played an integral role in the development of sailing techniques, becoming a staple in both commercial and military naval operations.