3 entries 1 source
Sail
Open directlyWebster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 1 of 3
Part of speech: noun (n.)
1. An extent of canvas or other fabric by means of which the wind is made serviceable as a power for propelling vessels through the water. Behoves him now both sail and oar. Milton.
2. Anything resembling a sail, or regarded as a sail.
3. A wing; a van. [Poetic] Like an eagle soaring To weather his broad sails. Spenser .
4. the extended surface of the arm of a windmill.
5. A sailing vessel; a vessel of any kind; a craft.
6. A passage by a sailing vessel; a journey or excursion upon the water.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 2 of 3
Part of speech: verb (v.)
1. To be impelled or driven forward by the action of wind upon sails, as a ship on water; to be impelled on a body of water by the action of steam or other power.
2. To move through or on the water; to swim, as a fish or a water fowl.
3. To be conveyed in a vessel on water; to pass by water; as, they sailed from London to Canton.
4. To set sail; to begin a voyage.
5. To move smoothly through the air; to glide through the air without apparent exertion, as a bird. As is a winged messenger of heaven, . . . When he bestrides the lazy pacing clouds, And sails upon the bosom of the air. Shak.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 3 of 3
Part of speech: verb (v.)
1. To pass or move upon, as in a ship, by means of sails; hence, to move or journey upon(the water) by means of steam or other force. A thousand ships were manned to sail the sea. Dryden.
2. To fly through; to glide or move smoothly through. Sublime she sails The aërial space, and mounts the winged gales. Pope.
3. To direct or manage the motion of, as a vessel; as, to sail one's own ship. Totten.