mainyard

main +‎ yard

mainyard (plural mainyards)

1. (sailing) The yard of the mainmast, from which the mainsail is hung
   • 1880, John Nichol, Byron‎:

     The sails were split, the mainyard shivered, the wind blowing fresh, the night setting in; and all our chance was to make for Corfu--or, as F. pathetically called it, 'a watery grave.'

   • 1914, E.H. Aitken, Concerning Animals and Other Matters‎:

     A long line of red and white flags extends from the top of the mainyard to the helm and streamers flutter from the mastheads.

• dairyman