misaine

foresail, foremast

1 / 1

On a sailing ship, a crew member works on the smaller mast standing behind the taller mainmast.

noun / adjective

mizzen

MIZ-un/ˈmɪzn/

The mast positioned aft of the mainmast.

Etymology

mizzenFrenchforesail, foremast

French misaine names a foresail or foremast, whereas English used mizzen for an aftermost sail. The mast sense names the mast that supports that sail.

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Related word entries

mizzen