sprit

noun

: a spar that crosses a fore-and-aft sail diagonally

Word History

Etymology

Middle English spret, sprit, from Old English sprēot pole, spear; akin to Old English -sprūtan to sprout

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sprit was in 1536

Dictionary Entries Near sprit

Cite this Entry

“Sprit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sprit. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

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