Mastship

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The principal vessel of a fleet or the main ship equipped with the tallest or primary masts used for sailing; a sailing ship with the chief mast structure; a central vessel within a group designed for navigation and transportation
2. The chief sailing ship in a collection of vessels characterized by having primary tall masts for maneuvering; the main ship outfitted for marine travel; a flagship or lead boat with dominant mast configuration
3. The foremost or leading ship in a maritime assembly defined by its significant mast height and function; the primary ocean-going craft distinguished by large masts; a central sailing vessel commanding a fleet or convoy

Etymology: Old English "mæst" gave us "mast", the upright spar that holds a ship's sails. It has close cousins in Dutch "mast" and German "Mast". The suffix "-ship" comes from Old English "-scipe", which marked a state, condition, or quality, and it is related to "shape". Put together, the two parts form a transparent compound: a ship-related condition or rank built around the mast. The more established relative is "mastership", which uses the same suffix. Its extra syllable comes from "master", a separate word, so the two forms are not simply variants of one another.

Synonyms: ship, vessel, craft, boat, barque