foremast

foremast
    n 1: the mast nearest the bow in vessels with two or more masts
    

Foremast \Fore"mast`\, n. (Naut.)
   The mast nearest the bow.
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   {Foremast hand} or {Foremast man} (Naut.), a common sailor;
      also, a man stationed to attend to the gear of the
      foremast.
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Mast \Mast\, n. [AS. maest, masc.; akin to D., G., Dan., & Sw.
   mast, Icel. mastr, and perh. to L. malus.]
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   1. (Naut.) A pole, or long, strong, round piece of timber, or
      spar, set upright in a boat or vessel, to sustain the
      sails, yards, rigging, etc. A mast may also consist of
      several pieces of timber united by iron bands, or of a
      hollow pillar of iron or steel.
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            The tallest pine
            Hewn on Norwegian hills, to be the mast
            Of some great ammiral.                --Milton.
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   Note: The most common general names of masts are {foremast},
         {mainmast}, and {mizzenmast}, each of which may be made
         of separate spars.
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   2. (Mach.) The vertical post of a derrick or crane.
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   3. (Aeronautics) A spar or strut to which tie wires or guys
      are attached for stiffening purposes.
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   {Afore the mast}, {Before the mast}. See under {Afore}, and
      {Before}.

   {Mast coat}. See under {Coat}.

   {Mast hoop}, one of a number of hoops attached to the fore
      edge of a boom sail, which slip on the mast as the sail is
      raised or lowered; also, one of the iron hoops used in
      making a made mast. See {Made}.
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