Before the mast

Before the mast
Mast Mast, n. [AS. m[ae]st, masc.; akin to D., G., Dan., & Sw. mast, Icel. mastr, and perh. to L. malus.] [1913 Webster] 1. (Naut.) A pole, or long, strong, round piece of timber, or spar, set upright in a boat or vessel, to sustain the sails, yards, rigging, etc. A mast may also consist of several pieces of timber united by iron bands, or of a hollow pillar of iron or steel. [1913 Webster]

The tallest pine Hewn on Norwegian hills, to be the mast Of some great ammiral. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Note: The most common general names of masts are {foremast}, {mainmast}, and {mizzenmast}, each of which may be made of separate spars. [1913 Webster]

2. (Mach.) The vertical post of a derrick or crane. [1913 Webster]

3. (A["e]ronautics) A spar or strut to which tie wires or guys are attached for stiffening purposes. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

{Afore the mast}, {Before the mast}. See under {Afore}, and {Before}.

{Mast coat}. See under {Coat}.

{Mast hoop}, one of a number of hoops attached to the fore edge of a boom sail, which slip on the mast as the sail is raised or lowered; also, one of the iron hoops used in making a made mast. See {Made}. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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