[sail] n [ME, fr. OE segl; akin to OHG segal sail] (bef. 12c) 1 a (1): an extent of fabric (as canvas) by means of which wind is used to propel a ship through water (2): the sails of a ship b pl usu sail : a ship equipped with sails
2: an extent of fabric used in propelling a wind-driven vehicle (as an iceboat)
3: something that resembles a sail; esp: a streamlined conning tower on a submarine
4: a passage by a sailing craft: cruise -- sailed adj -- under sail : in motion with sails set
[2]sail vi (bef. 12c) 1 a: to travel on water in a ship b: yacht
2. a: to travel on water by the action of wind upon sails or by other means b: to move or proceed easily, gracefully, nonchalantly, or without resistance "~s through all sorts of contradictions --Vicki Hearne" "the bill ~ed through the legislature"
3: to begin a water voyage "~ with the tide" ~ vt 1 a: to travel on (water) by means of motive power (as sail) b: to glide through
2: to direct or manage the motion of (as a ship) -- sail.able adj -- sail into : to attack vigorously or sharply "sailed into me for being late"