oversparred

English

Etymology

From over- +‎ sparred.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌəʊvəˈspɑːd/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌoʊvɚˈspɑɹd/
• Rhymes: -ɑː(ɹ)d

Adjective

oversparred (comparative more oversparred, superlative most oversparred)

1. (nautical) Having spars larger than the usual dimension.
   • 1856, “Marine Insurance and Its Influence upon Ship-Building”, in The U.S. Nautical Magazine, and Naval Journal‎^[1], volume V, number 1, page 6:

     According to the definitions of character adopted by the association of Lake underwriters at Buffalo, (see March number, vol. 3 page 440,) the “model” is to be taken into account—an important element in the calculation. They provide that “no vessel past six years old, however well rebuilt or repaired, shall be placed in class A, nor one that is oversparred, or hogged, strained from loading, launching, or other cause.”

   • 1865, P. R. Marett, Yachts and Yacht Building: being a treatise on the construction of Yachts, and other matters relating to Yachting, page 80:

     When such a measurement is established, we may hope for the substitution of correctly modelled yachts, in lieu of the oversparred and overmanned vessels which are to be found at the starting buoys of every regatta.

   • 1904, Thomas Fleming Day, The Rudder, page 243:

     The Rockland men believed the yacht oversparred for coasting and eight feet was taken off each of her masts.