spanker

[ spang-ker ]

/ ˈspæŋ kər /

Nautical.

a fore-and-aft sail on the aftermost lower mast of a sailing vessel having three or more masts.
a designation given to the mast abaft a mizzenmast, usually the aftermost mast in any vessel.

Informal. a smartly moving person or animal, especially a fast horse.

Chiefly New England. something remarkably fine.

of or relating to a spanker mast or its rigging.

Origin of spanker

First recorded in 1745–55; akin to spanking

Spanker received his congratulations with a loud laugh, and a hearty shake of the hand.

Tales And Novels, Volume 1 (of 10) |Maria Edgeworth
The British built at least one sail-propelled battery, the Spanker, in 1794.

Smithsonian Institution - United States National Museum - Bulletin 240 |Anonymous
It was all that was left of Spanker—the stick with which he had been tied.

White Fang |Jack London
The writer has many times seen a fellow who travelled the country, nicknamed the Spanker.

The Funny Side of Physic |A. D. Crabtre

Spanker, spang′kėr, n. the after-sail of a ship or barque, so called from its flapping in the breeze.

Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) |Various

spanker

/ (ˈspæŋkə) /

nautical a fore-and-aft sail or a mast that is aftermost in a sailing vessel

informal a person or animal that moves at a quick smart pace

informal something outstandingly fine or large