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Webster 1913 Edition


lateen

la-teen′

,
Adj.
1.
(Naut.)
Of or pertaining to a peculiar rig used in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters, esp. on the northern coast of Africa; pertaining to a lateen sail. See below.

Webster 1828 Edition


Lateen

LAT'EEN

,
Adj.
A lateen sail is a triangular sail, extended by a lateen yard, which is slung about one quarter the distance from the lower end, which is brought down at the tack while the other end is elevated at an angle of about 45 degrees; used in xebecs, polacres and settees, in the Mediterranean.

Definition 2024


lateen

lateen

English

A dhow with two lateen sails and a headsail.

Noun

lateen (plural lateens)

  1. (nautical) A triangular fore-and-aft sail set on a boom in such way that the tack is attached to the hull of the vessel and the free end of the boom lifts the sail.
    • 1980: The lateen sail is triangular or a quadrilateral which is almost triangular, the former being the type used by the Byzantines. Richard W. Unger, The Ship in the Medieval Economy 600-1600, page 47.

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