TOP'-SAIL, noun A sail extended across the top-mast, above which is the top-gallant-sail. TOP'-SHAPED, adjective In botany, turbinate. TOP'-SOILING, noun The act or art of taking off the top-soil of land, before a canal is begun. TOP'-STONE, noun A stone that is placed on the top, or which forms the top. TOP'-TACKLE, noun A large tackle hooked to the lower end of the top-mast top-rope and to the deck. TOP, verb intransitive To rise aloft; to be eminent; as lofty ridges and topping mountains. 1. To predominate; as topping passions; topping uneasiness. 2. To excel; to rise above others. But write thy best and top-- TOP, verb transitive To cover on the top; to tip; to cap. --A mount Of alabaster, topp'd with golden spires. Mountains topp'd with snow. 1. To rise above. A gourd--climbing by the boughs twined about them, till it topped and covered the tree. Topping all others in boasting. 2. To outgo; to surpass. 3. To crop; to take off the top or upper part. Top your rose trees a little with your knife near a leaf-bud. So, in America we say, to top corn, that is maiz, by cutting off the stalk just above the ear. 4. To rise to the top of; as, he topped the hill. 5. To perform eminently. [Not in use.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI