fore-topsail

[ fohr-top-seyl, fawr-; Nautical fohr-top-suh l, fawr- ]

/ ˌfoʊrˈtɒpˌseɪl, ˌfɔr-; Nautical ˌfoʊrˈtɒp səl, ˌfɔr- /

a topsail set on a foremast on a ship.

Origin of fore-topsail

First recorded in 1575–85

The foresail and fore-topsail we managed to save, but all our light canvass went.

Ned Myers |James Fenimore Cooper
He had gone out on the fore-topsail yard-arm, when somehow or other he lost his hold and down he fell.

Will Weatherhelm |W.H.G. Kingston
She was furiously plunging into the seas, when once more a report was heard, and the fore-topsail was seen blowing away in shreds.

The Rival Crusoes |W.H.G. Kingston
Closely reef the fore-topsail,” he added; “man the fore-topsail braces.

The Heir of Kilfinnan |W.H.G. Kingston

They loosed the fore-topsail and they set the foretopmast staysail.

Heroes of the Goodwin Sands |Thomas Stanley Treanor

fore-topsail

/ (fɔːˈtɒpˌseɪl, nautical fɔːˈtɒpsəl) /

nautical a sail set on a fore-topmast