Nautical Term: Yard
Definition of Yard
A nautical term used to describe a long spar that is affixed in the middle to a mast. This spar extends transversely across the vessel, acting as a support for a square sail. Additional uses of the term yard include signal halyards, lights, and other related equipment.
For example, in the following paragraph, the term yard is used in reference to the support for a square sail on a ship.
The sailors on the old wooden ship worked tirelessly to set the sails, one by one. The jib, the foretopmast stay sail, and finally, the square sail, supported by the long spar known as the yard. With the sail fully set, the ship sliced through the water, carrying its precious cargo to its destination.
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