foremost sail of a ship, being a large staysail extended from the outer end of the bowsprit prolonged by the jib-boom, towards the fore-top masthead. See Sail.

The jib is a sail of great command with any side wind, but especially when the ship is close hauled, or has the wind upon her beam; and its effort in catching the ship, or turning her head to leeward, is very powerful, and of great utility, particularly when the ship is working through a narrow channel.