topsail

• The main-topsail was already on the cap, when a loud report was heard as it was split, and fluttering violently threatened to carry away the men off the yard The crew with their knives endeavoured to cut it adrift, when they were called down to assist in securing the foresail. —  The Rival Crusoes
• Four men from the gig were to loose the fore-topsail, and in the event of the boats reaching the ship undiscovered, as soon as the boarders had climbed up the sides, the crews were to cut the cables and take the ship in tow. —  Paul Gerrard The Cabin Boy
• After that, you can set regular watches again The main-topsail was already on her and, at six o'clock, the captain had two of its reefs shaken out; and the other reef was also loosed, when Mr. Probert came up and took charge of the first watch, at eight bells. —  Held Fast For England A Tale of the Siege of Gibraltar (1779-83)
• Furl the fore and mizen-topsail, and close-reef the main--that, with the foresail, fore-staysail, and trysail, will be enough for her Had we not better reef the foresail, sir?" —  The King's Own
• Before long the captain shouted Shake out the reefs in the fore-topsail, my lads The topmen flew aloft and the sail was hoisted. —  The Two Supercargoes Adventures in Savage Africa

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