To remove the mast or masts from a ship; to strip a ship of its rigging.
From 'dis-' plus 'mast' (from Old Norse 'mastr'). This nautical term has been in use since at least the 1600s as sailing became the dominant means of commerce and exploration.
When pirates or naval forces 'dismasted' a ship, it went from being deadly fast to helpless driftwood in seconds. A single cannon shot that brought down a mast could decide entire naval battles—which is why ship design obsessed over mast strength.
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