1 before the mast | Definition of before the mast

mast

noun (1)
\ ˈmast How to pronounce mast (audio) \

Definition of mast

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a long pole or spar rising from the keel or deck of a ship and supporting the yards, booms, and rigging
2 : a slender vertical or nearly vertical structure (such as an upright post in various cranes)
3 : a disciplinary proceeding at which the commanding officer of a naval unit hears and disposes of cases against enlisted men

called also captain's mast

before the mast
1 : forward of the foremast
2 : as a common sailor

mast

verb
masted; masting; masts

Definition of mast (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

: to furnish with a mast

mast

noun (2)

Definition of mast (Entry 3 of 3)

: nuts (such as acorns) accumulated on the forest floor and often serving as food for animals

Other Words from mast

Noun (1)

masted \ ˈma-​stÉ™d How to pronounce masted (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of mast

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1513, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for mast

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English mæst; akin to Old High German mast mast, Latin malus

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Old English mæst; akin to Old High German mast food, mast, and probably to Old English mete food — more at meat

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More Definitions for mast

mast

noun
\ ˈmast How to pronounce mast (audio) \

Kids Definition of mast

: a long pole that rises from the bottom of a ship and supports the sails and rigging

Other Words from mast

masted \ ˈmas-​tÉ™d \ adjective a tall masted ship

Medical Definition of MAST

military antishock trousers

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More from Merriam-Webster on mast

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with mast

Spanish Central: Translation of mast

Nglish: Translation of mast for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of mast for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mast