topgallant sail

a sail or either of two sails set on the yard or yards of a topgallant mast.

Also called topgallant.

Origin of topgallant sail

First recorded in 1580–90

Sail floated to the masthead, and blew balloon-like at the topgallant mast.

A Tale of Two Tunnels |William Clark Russell
The corvette must have observed her change of course, as she also kept away, and once more her topgallant sails were loosed.

The Rival Crusoes |W.H.G. Kingston
There, just rising above the horizon, were seen the topgallant sails of a ship.

Sunshine Bill |W H G Kingston
In steam vessels, topgallant masts and rigging ready to be sent down and all unnecessary gear unrove.

Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. |Bureau of Ordnance, USN

Have the drummer beat to quarters, Mr. Biddle, as soon as you get down the topgallant yard and shorten sail.

Yankee Ships and Yankee Sailors: Tales of 1812 |James Barnes

topgallant

/ (ˌtɒpˈɡælənt, nautical təˈɡælənt) /

Also called: topgallant mast a mast on a square-rigger above a topmast or an extension of a topmast

Also called: topgallant sail a sail set on a yard of a topgallant mast

(modifier) of or relating to a topgallant

C16: from top 1 + gallant