captain's mast Hear it!

Variant of mast¹

mast¹ Definition

mast (mast, mäst)

noun

  1. a tall spar or, now often, a hollow metal structure, sometimes in sections, rising vertically from the keel or deck of a vessel and used to support the sails, yards, radar and radio equipment, etc.
  2. a specified section of this the topmast
  3. any vertical pole, as in a crane or derrick
  4. a metal post for the support of a radio aerial or television antenna
  5. ☆ U.S. Navy a summary session held by the commanding officer to try minor offenses, hear requests, or give commendations
    in full captain's mast

Etymology: ME maste < OE mæst, akin to Ger mast < IE *mazdos, a pole, rod > L malus, mast (< *madus with Sabine l for d), Ir maide, a stick

transitive verb

to put a mast or masts on
mast¹ Idioms

before the mast

Etymology: quarters for common sailors were formerly located forward of the foremast

Now Rare as a common sailor

Variant of mast²

mast² Definition

mast (mast, mäst)

noun

beechnuts, acorns, chestnuts, etc., esp. as food for hogs

Etymology: ME maste < OE mæst, akin to Ger mast < IE base *mad-, moist, dripping (with fat, sap) > meat, Gr mastos, a breast