n.
Pronunciation: ' s ā l, as last element in compounds often s ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English segl; akin to Old High German segal sail
Date: before 12th century
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 plural usually 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 especially : a streamlined conning tower on a submarine
4 : a passage by a sailing craft : CRUISE
– sailed \ ' s ā ld \ adjective
– under sail : in motion with sails set
sail 1a (of a schooner): 1 flying jib, 2 jib, 3 forestaysail, 4 foresail, 5 fore gaff-topsail, 6 main-topmast staysail, 7 mainsail, 8 main gaff-topsail