mizzen

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the mast immediately behind a ship's mainmast; a mizzenmast

   A lookout climbed the mizzen to inspect the rigging.

2. 2
   noun

   the fore-and-aft sail set on a mizzenmast

   The sailors shortened the mizzen as the wind strengthened.

3. 3
   adj

   situated on or relating to the mizzenmast

   The mizzen shrouds rattled against the aftermost mast.

From Middle English mesan, through French misaine and ultimately Catalan mitjana, 'middle,' from Latin medianus. The term originally referred to a sail set amidships before settling on the after mast and its sail; mizen is a less common spelling.

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