All the ships of the fleet . . . were so encumbered with tophamper, so overweighted in proportion to their draught of water, that they could bear but little canvas, even with smooth seas and light and favorable winds. --Motley. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
top-hamper — 1791, originally the upper masts, sails, and rigging of a sailing ship, later extended to modern vessels, from TOP (Cf. top) (n.1) + HAMPER (Cf. hamper) (n.) in the nautical sense of things necessary but often in the way … Etymology dictionary
top-hamper — [täp′ham΄pər] n. 1. the upper masts, spars, and rigging of a sailing ship, usually kept aloft 2. rigging, spars, etc. not needed immediately and an encumbrance aloft or on deck: Also top hamper * * * top ham·per also top ham·per (tŏpʹhămʹpər) n.… … Universalium
top hamper — Top ham per, n. (Naut.) The upper rigging, spars, etc., of a ship. [Written also {top hamper}.] [1913 Webster] All the ships of the fleet . . . were so encumbered with tophamper, so overweighted in proportion to their draught of water, that they… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Top hamper — Hamper Ham per, n. [See {Hamper} to shackle.] 1. A shackle; a fetter; anything which impedes. W. Browne. [1913 Webster] 2. (Naut.) Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way at certain times. Ham. Nav. Encyc. [1913 Webster] {Top hamper}… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
top-hamper — [täp′ham΄pər] n. 1. the upper masts, spars, and rigging of a sailing ship, usually kept aloft 2. rigging, spars, etc. not needed immediately and an encumbrance aloft or on deck: Also top hamper … English World dictionary
top hamper — noun Unnecessary weight on a ship s upper deck • • • Main Entry: ↑top … Useful english dictionary
top-hamper — ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun ( s) 1. : matter or weight (as spars, rigging, superstructure, or cargo) in the upper part of a ship top hamper of guns, three hundred and forty tons of landing craft together with six sets of heavy davits K.M.Dodson 2. :… … Useful english dictionary
top hamper — noun Sailing sails, rigging, or other things above decks creating top heavy weight or wind resistant surfaces … English new terms dictionary
top-hamper — noun Date: 1791 1. matter or weight (as spars or rigging) in the upper part of a ship 2. unnecessary cumbersome matter … New Collegiate Dictionary
Hamper — Ham per, n. [See {Hamper} to shackle.] 1. A shackle; a fetter; anything which impedes. W. Browne. [1913 Webster] 2. (Naut.) Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way at certain times. Ham. Nav. Encyc. [1913 Webster] {Top hamper} (Naut.),… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
