MAIN, an epithet usually applied by sailors to
whatever is principal, as opposed to whatever is inferior
or secondary. Thus the main land is used in con-
tradiction to an island or peninsula; and the main-
mast, the main-wale, the main-keel, and the main-
hatchway, are in like manner distinguished from the
fore and mizen masts, the channel-wales, the false keel,
and the fore and after hatchways, &c.