mizzen

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun third mast from the bow in a vessel having three or more masts; the after and shorter mast of a yawl, ketch, or dandy
  2. noun fore-and-aft sail set on the mizzenmast

Etymology

From Middle English mesan, meseyn, myson, from Middle French misaine, modified from Old French migenne (through influence from Italian mezzana), from Old Catalan mitjana, feminine of mitjan, ultimately from Latin medianus. Doublet of mean and median.

In classic literature

Synonyms

mizzenmast, mizenmast, mizen

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