Topsail

Square sail extended between a lower-yard and a topsail- I yard See Plates 75 to 82, 86,87 & 88., Patent-topsail. Is the term given to a topsail, which may be reefed j (i. e: decreased in surface) by lowering the topsail-yard, which is fitted i with a contrivance that causes it to revolve while descending; there is also a spar in connection with the yard extending nearly its whole length upon which the loosened sail is rolled by the action of the apparatus.