sprit
1
9.9
A pole that runs at an angle across a sail to hold it out
- noun
- /sprɪt/
- Specialized
:
mástil
- And people who got very imaginative named various bonds on this, like the bow sprit or the flagpole.
- sprit sail
Examples
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Blessed are the poor in sprit... for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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This is called the faux leather sprit front sprit.
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A few sprits here and there
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Sun breaks over the sprits'l yard
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The Europeans have fairies and wood sprits.
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sprit supports the sail, making it easier to catch the wind while sailing.
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To set the sprit correctly, ensure it is taut and properly angled to extend the sail.
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He attached the sprit to the sail, allowing for better maneuverability on the water.
Synonyms
3
8.6
A strong pole on a ship that supports sails
is a lighter diagonal pole used to extend a fore-and-aft sail
Surface Forms
Etymology
Sprit comes from an old Dutch word spriet meaning 'small pole' or 'twig'. So a sprit is the diagonal 'stick' that holds a sail out, like a twig pushing the sail open to catch the wind.