Crosstrees

/ˈkrɔːstriːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of crosstree; multiple horizontal supporting spars on a ship's masts.

Etymology

Regular plural of 'crosstree', formed with '-es'. Used in nautical terminology since at least the 15th century in ship design documents.

Kelly Says

Ships often had multiple crosstrees stacked at different heights on a single mast—sailors would scramble up to these platforms to maintain rigging high above deck, making them both structural necessities and dangerous workplaces in the age of sail.

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