Glossary



Term Definition
aftermast In a sailing ship carrying multiple masts, the mast set closest to the stern. Also called the mizzenmast in a three-masted sailing vessel.
foremast The forward-most mast on a sailing vessel with two or more masts.
mainmast The principal mast of a sailing ship.
mast A long wooden or metal pole or spar, usually vertical, on the deck or keel of a ship, that supports spars and sails. On a sailing ship, supported on the keelson.
master The captain of a merchant ship.
mizzenmast The third mast from the bow or the mast aft of the mainmast in a sailing ship.
topmast An upper, secondary mast on a sailing vessel, supported by a heavier, lower mast.
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