(Kemp, 738 – 739)

Definition

Also spelled: leach

Noun

  • The trailing (after) edge of a fore-and-aft sail.
  • The vertical outer edge of a square sail.

Origin

14th century. Probably from the Middle English word, leche.

Comments

For fore-and-aft sails, the leech is always the trailing edge. For square sails, it can refer to either vertical side of the sail, in which case, the larboard or starboard leech is specified.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

King, D., Hattendorf, J.B, & Estes, J.W. (1997). A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O’Brian’s Seafaring Tales (2nd Ed.). Owl Books.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.