mizzen Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun third mast from the bow in a vessel having three or more masts; the after and shorter mast of a yawl, ketch, or dandy
    mizenmast; mizen; mizzenmast.
  2. noun fore-and-aft sail set on the mizzenmast
    mizen.

WordNet

Miz"zen adjective
Etymology
It. mezzana, fr. mezzano middle, fr. mezzo middle, half: cf. F. misaine foresail. See Mezzo.
Definitions
  1. (Naut.) Hindmost; nearest the stern; as, the mizzen shrouds, sails, etc.
Miz"zen noun
Definitions
  1. (Naut.) The hindmost of the fore and aft sails of a three-masted vessel; also, the spanker.

Webster 1913