masting timber

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   timber of the size and quality required for making ships' masts, yards, or similar spars

   The naval yard reserved the straightest fir trunks for masting timber.

A compound of masting, 'fitting or supplying a ship with masts,' and timber. Mast descends from Old English maest, while timber comes from Old English timber, 'building material or structure.' In 18th-century trade, masting timber was a recognized class of naval stores suitable for masts, yards, and bowsprits.

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