0 a pole that is attached at an angle to a boat's mast (= main pole) and holds the highest point of a sail:
Until the mid-1700s, most ships also flew a sprit-topsail from the short sprit topmast that rose vertically "above" the fore end of the bowsprit.
The boats were generally outfitted with a sprit or lug sailing rig and a small jib.
As this happens he started talking about the holy trinity, the father, the son and the holy sprit.
Oddly, the sprit rigged mainsail was often accompanied by a jib and a topsail.
Each sail was equipped with a horizontal sprit that enabled it to be brailed up to its mast and deployed rapidly.
They had leg-o-mutton sails with sprit booms on un-stayed masts.
From there was the option of a bow sprit, as well as a swimgrid, which added to the total length.
They also avoid the danger of setting out rules so rigid that they encourage compliance with their letter but not with their sprit.
