mainmast

Etymology

From main + mast.

noun

  1. (nautical) The tallest mast of a sailing ship that has more than one mast; particularly a full-rigged ship.
    When we were in the latitude of Martinico, and near making the land, one morning we had a brisk gale of wind, and, carrying too much sail, the main-mast went over the side. 1789, Olaudah Equiano, chapter 11, in The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano
  2. (nautical) The second-foremost mast of a non-sailing ship with more than one mast.

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