fore-and-aft rig

noun

: a sailing-ship rig in which most or all of the sails are not attached to yards but are bent to gaffs or set on the masts or on stays in a fore-and-aft line

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fore-and-aft rig

noun

: a sailing-ship rig in which most or all of the sails are set lengthwise along the centerline of the ship rather than across it