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mizzen. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
mizzen, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
mizzen in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
mizzen you have here. The definition of the word
mizzen will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
mizzen, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French misaine, modified from Old French migenne (through influence from Italian mezzana), from Old Catalan mitjana, feminine of mitjan, ultimately from Latin medianus. Doublet of mean and median.
Pronunciation
Noun
mizzen (plural mizzens)
- (nautical) Mizzenmast.
- (nautical) A fore-and-aft sail set on a mizzenmast.
1726 October 28, [Jonathan Swift], “A Great Storm Described, the Long-Boat Sent to Fetch Water, the Author Goes with It to Discover the Country. ”, in Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. , volume I, London: Benj Motte, , →OCLC, part II (A Voyage to Brobdingnag), page 151:Finding it was like to overblow, we took in our Sprit-ſail, and ſtood by to hand the Fore-ſail; but making foul Weather, we look'd the Guns were all faſt, and handed the Miſſen.
1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 191:"'Oh yes, that's all very well, but we haven't done with it yet,' said the lad, 'we shall have it worse directly,' and he ordered them to furl every rag but the mizen."
Derived terms
Translations
Adjective
mizzen (not comparable)
- (nautical) Hindmost; nearest the stern.
- the mizzen shrouds, sails, etc.