1582. N. Lichefield, trans. Castanheda’s Conq. E. Ind., xxviii. 71 a. In trimming the sayles, and others the nettings and foretop sayles.
1617. Capt. Smith, Seaman’s Gram., iv. 17. The fore top-saile yard.
1790. Beatson, Nav. & Mil. Mem., II. 62. As that hung on her fore-top-sail and backed it, he had no command of his ship, his fore-tack and all his braces being cut at the same time.
1833. M. Scott, Tom Cringle, ii. (1859), 64. The damaged ship was at this time on our weather-quarter; we accordingly handed the fore-topsail, and presently she was alongside.
