■ noun
1》 a piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship.
↘a wind-catching apparatus attached to the arm of a windmill.
↘the broad fin on the back of a ~fish or of some prehistoric reptiles.
↘a structure by which an animal is propelled across the surface of water by the wind, e.g. the float of a Portuguese man-of-war.
2》 a voyage or excursion in a ~ing boat or ship.
■ verb
1》 travel in a ~ing boat as a sport or for recreation.
↘travel in a ship or boat using ~s or engine power.
↘begin a voyage; leave a harbour.
↘travel by ship on or across (a sea) or on (a route).
↘navigate or control (a boat or ship).
2》 move smoothly and rapidly or in a stately or confident manner.
↘( ~ through ) informal succeed easily at (something, especially a test or examination).
↘( ~ into ) informal attack physically or verbally.
Phrases
in (or under ) full ~ with all the ~s in position or fully spread.
~ close to (or near ) the wind see wind 1 .
under ~ with the ~s hoisted.
Derivatives
~able adjective
-~ed adjective
~ing noun
Origin
OE segel (n.), seglian (v.), of Gmc origin.