main-topsail

[ meyn-top-seyl; Nautical meyn-top-suh l ]

/ ˌmeɪnˈtɒpˌseɪl; Nautical ˌmeɪnˈtɒp səl /

a topsail set on the mainmast.

Origin of main-topsail

First recorded in 1610–20

The chase on this hoisted a blue ensign and hove-to with main-topsail to the mast.

Hurricane Hurry |W.H.G. Kingston
The cruiser went about, and passing to windward, backed her main-topsail just forward of the Swash's beam.

Jack Tier or The Florida Reef |James Fenimore Cooper
Then there came a clap like thunder, and the main-topsail, split across, was blown out of the bolt-ropes.

From Powder Monkey to Admiral |W.H.G. Kingston
Everything was taken in with the exception of a main-topsail and storm trysail.

Peter Trawl |W. H. G. Kingston

He had come up only for a moment, but finding the poop shaded by the main-topsail he remained on deck bareheaded.

The Rescue |Joseph Conrad