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Glite Dictionary
fore-topmast

fore-topmast

9.9
The part high on a ship's front mast that holds the upper sails
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : topmástil de proa
  • A lookout was posted high up on the fore-topmast for approaching ships.

Examples

  • The crew climbed the fore-topmast to rig new sails before the storm hit.

  • During repairs, the damaged fore-topmast was carefully lowered to the deck.

  • The fore-topmast is essential for supporting the sails.

  • Many ships have a sturdy fore-topmast.

  • The crew worked together to repair the damage to the fore-topmast after the storm.

  • The sailor climbed up to the fore-topmast to adjust the sails for better wind direction.

  • From the fore-topmast, the captain had a clear view of the approaching fleet.

Synonyms

topmast
vsfore-topmast
  • Specialized
9.6

The top part of a ship's tall pole that holds sails

is the upper section at the ship front mast supporting upper front sails

Surface Forms

fore-topmast singular
fore-topmasts plural

Morphology

fore-topmast = topmast (transparent) = fore + top + mast

The word is a straightforward formation meaning 'the topmast located on the fore (front) part of the ship'; the components map directly to the sense.

Etymology

Fore-topmast joins fore 'front' and topmast 'top part of a mast'. So a fore-topmast is the top section on the front mast of a ship, the part sailors climb and that holds the upper front sails.