American Dictionary of the English Language

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Top-sail


TOP'-SAIL, noun A sail extended across the top-mast, above which is the top-gallant-sail.

TOP'-SHAPED, adjective In botany, turbinate.

TOP'-SOILING, noun The act or art of taking off the top-soil of land, before a canal is begun.

TOP'-STONE, noun A stone that is placed on the top, or which forms the top.

TOP'-TACKLE, noun A large tackle hooked to the lower end of the top-mast top-rope and to the deck.

TOP, verb intransitive To rise aloft; to be eminent; as lofty ridges and topping mountains.

1. To predominate; as topping passions; topping uneasiness.

2. To excel; to rise above others.

But write thy best and top--

TOP, verb transitive To cover on the top; to tip; to cap.

--A mount

Of alabaster, topp'd with golden spires.

Mountains topp'd with snow.

1. To rise above.

A gourd--climbing by the boughs twined about them, till it topped and covered the tree.

Topping all others in boasting.

2. To outgo; to surpass.

3. To crop; to take off the top or upper part.

Top your rose trees a little with your knife near a leaf-bud.

So, in America we say, to top corn, that is maiz, by cutting off the stalk just above the ear.

4. To rise to the top of; as, he topped the hill.

5. To perform eminently. [Not in use.]