I. ˈsāl, as last element in compounds often səl 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 ˈsāld adjective
•
- under sail
[
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
]
II. verb
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
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
sail s through all sorts of contradictions — Vicki Hearne
the bill sail ed through the legislature
c. : to move through the air
the ball sail ed over his head
3. : to begin a water voyage
sail with the tide
transitive verb
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 ˈsā-lə-bəl adjective
•
- sail into