To remove the mast or masts from a ship.
From de- (removal) + mast (from Middle Dutch mast, from Germanic roots). The term emerged in nautical terminology as ships became more complex and mast removal became a specific operation.
A demasted ship was historically a disaster—it meant a vessel was crippled or captured, which is why naval battles often focused on destroying rigging. One well-placed cannon shot could demast an entire ship and change a battle's outcome.
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