yardarms
YARD-armz
Definition
The horizontal ends of the spars (yards) that extend across a ship's mast to support the sails; in this context, the term relates to the traditional maritime expression "the sun is over the yardarm," indicating the appropriate time of day to begin drinking alcohol.
Etymology
Derived from the maritime term 'yard,' referring to the wooden spar on a mast, plus 'arm' for its extension; the idiom dates back to the Royal Navy, referencing the position of the sun relative to the spars, which helped sailors gauge the time of day.
In the news
The author references the phrase "when the sun is over the yardarms" as a playful justification for her father's daily schedule for enjoying a drink while sailing.
‘Triffid II’ Explores the New World, Starting at Expo 67
Read the full article ↗LOOSE CANNON | Peter Swanson