bowsprit etymology

Etymology:

Bow (front of a ship) + sprit (small spar)

Meaning:

A horizontal or diagonal spar projecting from the bow of a sailing ship that supports the stays for the forward-most sails.

Origin:

The term "bowsprit" originated in the late 15th century, derived from the Middle English words "boughesprete" or "bowesprytte." These terms, in turn, came from the Old French "bois esprit" or "bois espeis," meaning "thick wood" or "thick forest."

The earliest bowsprits were simple spars used to extend the length of a ship's hull and support the foremast and sails. Over time, they became more elaborate and were used to support several sails, including the jib, flying jib, and foretopmast staysail.

Bowsprits have been an essential part of sailing ship design for centuries, allowing vessels to set more sail area and improve their sailing performance.

bowsprit relate terms

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