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Glite Dictionary
topgallant mast

topgallant mast

9.9
A tall upright wooden pole near the top of a sailing ship that holds a high square sail
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : mástil de gavia
  • High winds snapped the topgallant mast during the storm, forcing the crew to make urgent repairs.

Examples

  • The old sailing ship was restored, complete with a new topgallant mast crafted from sturdy timber.

  • The lookout climbed the topgallant mast to improve his view of the horizon.

  • The topgallant mast was damaged during the storm.

  • Many ships have two topgallant masts for better sail control.

  • The experienced sailor climbed the topgallant mast to adjust the sails for optimal performance.

  • After the strong winds, the crew worked quickly to mend the broken topgallant mast before setting sail again.

  • During the ship's restoration, they replaced the old topgallant mast to ensure it could support the new sails.

Synonyms

topgallant
vstopgallant mast
  • Specialized
1 9.9

The part of a mast above the topmast on a sailing ship

is a distinct mast that supports a higher sail above the topmast

Surface Forms

topgallant mast singular
topgallant masts plural

Morphology

topgallant + mast

The compound combines 'topgallant' (the section fixed above the topmast) with 'mast' (an upright ship pole), so the meaning — the mast located at the topgallant position — is directly derivable from the parts. Although maritime vocabulary is specialized, the noun+noun composition follows standard English compounding, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand it.

Etymology

Topgallant mast names the small mast set above the topmast that holds the high 'topgallant' sail. Sailors put together top (because it sits high) and gallant (an old word for a fine, showy sail) to make a simple picture, so the name tells you it is the mast above the topmast.