sail
sail / sāl/ • n. 1. a piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat, ship, or other vessel: all the sails were unfurled. ∎ the use of sailing ships as a means of transport: this led to bigger ships as steam replaced sail. ∎ [in sing.] a voyage or excursion in a ship, esp. a sailing ship or boat: they went for a sail.2. something resembling a sail in shape or function, in particular: ∎ a wind-catching apparatus, typically one consisting of canvas or a set of boards, attached to the arm of a windmill. ∎ the conning tower of a submarine.• v. [intr.] 1. travel in a boat with sails, esp. as a sport or recreation: Ian took us out sailing on the lake. ∎ travel in a ship or boat using sails or engine power: the ferry caught fire sailing between Caen and Portsmouth. ∎ begin a voyage; leave a harbor: the catamaran sails at 3:30. ∎ [tr.] travel by ship on or across (a sea) or on (a route): plastic ships could be sailing the oceans soon. ∎ [tr.] navigate or control (a boat or ship): I stole a small fishing boat and sailed it to the Delta.2. move smoothly and rapidly or in a stately or confident manner: she sailed into the conference room at 2:30 sharp.DERIVATIVES: sail·a·ble adj.sailed adj. [in comb.] a black-sailed ship.
sail
So sail vb. OE. seġl(i)an. sailor XVI. In earliest use sayler (see -ER1); later alt., by assim. to agent-nouns in -OR1 (e.g. tailor), to distinguish the designation of a regular calling from the unspecialized form.
sail
sail under false colours disguise one's true nature or intentions; the colours are the flag which signals a ship's nationality.