TOP, a sort of platform, surrounding the lower mast-head, from which it projects on all sides like a scaffold.
The principal intention of the top is to extend the top-mast shrouds, so as to form a greater angle with the mast, and thereby give additional support to the latter. It is sustained by certain timbers fixed across the hounds or shoulders of the mast, and called the truss-trees and cross-trees.
Besides the use above-mentioned, the top is otherwise extremely convenient to contain the materials necessary for extending the small sails, and for fixing or repairing the rigging and machinery with more facility and expedition. In ships of war it is used as a kind of redoubt, and is accordingly fortified for attack or defence; being furnished with swivels, musketry, and other firearms, and guarded by a thick fence of corded hammocks. Finally, it is employed as a place for looking out, either in the day or night.
The frame of the top is either close-planked like a platform, or open like a grating. The former kind is generally stronger and more convenient; but the latter is much better in tempestuous weather, as presenting a smaller surface to the wind when the ship leans over to one side, and by consequence being less exposed to its efforts.
In all ships of war, and in the largest merchantmen, the top is fenced on the aft-side by a rail of about three feet high, stretching across, and supported by stanchions, between which a netting is usually constructed. The outside of this netting is generally covered with red baize or red painted canvas, which is extended from the rail down to the edge of the top, and called the top-armour. By this name it seems to have been considered as a sort of blind, behind which the men may conceal themselves from the aims of the enemy's fire-arms in time of action, whilst they are charging their own muskets, carbines, or swivels.
Top-Mast, the second division of a mast; or that part which stands between the upper and lower pieces. See the article MAST.
Top-Sails, certain large sails extended across the top-masts by the topsail-yard above, and by the yard attached to the lower mast beneath; being fastened to the former by robands, and to the latter by means of two great blocks fixed on its extremities, thro' which
the topsail-sheets are inserted, passing from thence to two other blocks fixed on the inner part of the yard close by the mast: and from these latter the sheets lead downwards to the deck, where they may be slackened or extended at pleasure. See the article SAIL.