noun / adjective
mizzen
MIZ-un/ˈmɪzn/
The mast positioned aft of the mainmast.
The mizzen stands behind the mainmast on this sailing vessel.
Etymology
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.
In context
The mizzen mast carried a fore-and-aft rigged sail…
A new signal flies up Victory's mizzen mast.
More examples
- The crew checks the ropes supporting the mizzen.
- Both boats have mizzens shorter than their mainmasts.
- The mizzen sail catches the breeze behind the mainsail.
Forms
mizzen · mizzens
Similar words
- mizzenmast
- Explicitly names the mast, rather than its sail or rigging.
- mast
- Names a sail-supporting pole anywhere on a vessel.