donkey topsail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ObsoleteTechnical / Historical / Nautical
Quick answer
What does “donkey topsail” mean?
A small topsail set above the gaff topsail on a sailing vessel, specifically on a schooner or brigantine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small topsail set above the gaff topsail on a sailing vessel, specifically on a schooner or brigantine.
In historical maritime contexts, a supplementary sail used in light winds, positioned high on the mast. More broadly, it can metaphorically refer to something extra, non-essential, or added as an afterthought.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates from shared nautical jargon of the Age of Sail. No significant modern British vs. American difference exists, as the term is equally archaic in both dialects.
Connotations
In both dialects, it connotes historical sailing, antiquated technology, and specialized knowledge. It carries no modern slang connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use, found almost exclusively in historical texts, nautical museums, or among sailing history enthusiasts.
Grammar
How to Use “donkey topsail” in a Sentence
The [Vessel] set its donkey topsail.They rigged a donkey topsail on the [Mast].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “donkey topsail” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The crew decided to donkey-topsail the foremast in the calm.
- They were donkey-topsailing to catch the faintest breeze.
American English
- The captain ordered them to donkey topsail the schooner.
- We'll be donkey topsailing by midday if the wind doesn't pick up.
adverb
British English
- The sail was set donkey-topsail high.
- They rigged it donkey-topsail fashion.
American English
- The canvas flew donkey topsail aloft.
- He described it donkey topsail style.
adjective
British English
- They examined the donkey-topsail rigging.
- It was a donkey-topsail arrangement.
American English
- He sketched the donkey topsail configuration.
- They used donkey topsail gear.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for a non-essential project or perk: 'The company retreat felt like a donkey topsail—pleasant but not core to our mission.'
Academic
Used in historical papers on maritime technology or in analyses of nautical terminology in literature (e.g., Patrick O'Brian novels).
Everyday
Virtually never used. If used, it would be as an obscure reference or joke meaning something superfluous.
Technical
Exclusively in the context of traditional sailing ship rigging diagrams, restoration projects, or historical reenactment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “donkey topsail”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “donkey topsail”
- Using it to refer to any sail. It is a very specific type.
- Misspelling as 'donkey top sail' (should be a closed or hyphenated compound).
- Assuming it is modern sailing terminology.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A donkey topsail is a smaller sail set above the gaff topsail. They are related parts of a sailing rig but are distinct sails.
It would be highly unusual and obscure. It is effectively an archaic technical term. Using it metaphorically to mean 'something extra and non-essential' would only be understood in very specific, knowledgeable circles.
The prefix 'donkey' in nautical terminology often denotes something auxiliary, small, or secondary (e.g., donkey engine). It implies this sail is a lesser, supporting topsail.
It might appear in detailed nautical fiction by authors like Patrick O'Brian or C.S. Forester, or in primary source documents like ship's logs and sailing manuals from the Age of Sail.
A small topsail set above the gaff topsail on a sailing vessel, specifically on a schooner or brigantine.
Donkey topsail is usually technical / historical / nautical in register.
Donkey topsail: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒŋki ˈtɒpseɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːŋki ˈtɑːpseɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's like a donkey topsail – nice but not necessary.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a small DONKEY carrying a tiny sail (TOPSAIL) on its back high up a hill (the mast). It's extra help for light work.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOMETHING NON-ESSENTIAL IS A DONKEY TOPSAIL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the term 'donkey topsail'?