Definition of "topsails" [topsails]

• Plural form of topsail. (noun)

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• "Pamperos happen quickly here, and though the Elsinore, under bare poles to her upper-topsails, is prepared for anything, it may well be that they will be crowding on canvas in another hour."
• "Far, far beyond the topsails was a faint blue line on the horizon, the bold coast of Southern Portugal."
• "The topsails were the chief battle sails, because the largest, except the courses, and more manageable than the courses."