yard arm etymology

Etymology and Meaning of "Yard Arm"

The term "yard arm" has its origins in the nautical language used by sailors in the Age of Sail.

Origin:

The term is derived from:

• Yard: A horizontal spar suspended from the mast of a sailing ship, used to support the sails.
• Arm: A reference to the extension or end of the yard.

Meaning:

A yard arm is the outer end of a yard. It is the point on the yard furthest from the mast.

Functions and Importance:

Yard arms play a crucial role in sailing operations:

• Control of Sails: Sailors use ropes and pulleys attached to the yard arms to raise, lower, and trim the sails.
• Navigation: The position of the yard arms can be used to adjust the ship's course and balance its sails.
• Cargo Handling: Yard arms can be used to hoist or lower heavy cargo onto and off the deck of the ship.
• Communication: Flags and signals are often hoisted on yard arms for communication between ships or with shore.

Additional Facts:

• The distance between the mast and the yard arm is called the "yard length."
• The "topsail yard arm" refers to the yard arm of the third sail from the bottom of the mast.
• In modern sailing yachts, yard arms are typically made of aluminum or carbon fiber.

yard arm relate terms

• yard

  Etymology of yard The word yard has several etymological origins Old English gea

• yard arm

  Etymology and Meaning of Yard Arm The term yard arm has its origins in the nautical l

• court

  Etymology The word court originates from the Old French word cort which in turn deri

• bough

  Etymology The word bough comes from the Old English word bōg which means shoulder

• antenna

  Etymology The word antenna derives from the Latin word antenna which refers to the m

• embrace

  Etymology Embrace Old French embracier from Late Latin imbracchiare from Latin im in

• brace

  Etymology The word brace has several etymological roots Middle English brace de

• pretzel

  Etymology The word pretzel derives from the German word Brezel which is a diminutive

• Midgard

  Etymology Old Norse Miðgarðr Miðr middle center Garðr fence enclosure

• quandary

  Etymology The word quandary comes from the Old French word quandenier which means

• victim

  Etymology of Victim The word victim is derived from the Latin word victima which

• hatch

  Etymology Old English hæcc hǣcc noun half door wicket Middle English hacche no