topmast 
topmast (top'mast), n. [< tr>i> 1 + wi.v/'.| 
\<titt., the sccniiii mast from the deck, or (hut 
which is next above the lower must miiiii, 
fore, or in i/,/.i-n. Topmast-shrouds, s nhrnwK. 
topmast-head (top'mast-hed), . The head or 
top of the topmast. 
This sail, which is a triangular "lie, extend* fnmi tin- 
topmast/teat! to the deck. Kncyr. Bri.1., XXIV. 7^4 
top-maul (top'mal), . Same as top-mall. 
top-minnow (top'min"6), n. One of several 
siniill ovoviviparous cyprinodont fishes rebitc-il 
to the killilishes, as (ItiHiliii.iin /mlruelig or Zy- 
i/ini/ctis iintniiis, Ixith of the United States. 
Top-iiiinno 
fatrutlis), male, natural size. 
The first-named abounds In the fresh waters of the south- 
ern United .States. The male Is much smaller than the 
female ; the brood is brought forth early In the spring. 
top-minor (top'mi'nor), n. In rope-mukin<i. 
one of the holes through which the individual 
strands are drawn on the way to the twisting- 
machine. 
topmost (top'most), a. supcrl. [< top 1 -I- -most.] 
Highest; uppermost. 
Whose far -down pines are wont to tear 
Locks of wool from the topmogt cloud. 
Lowell, Appledore, IL 
topographer (to-pog'ra-fer), . [< topograph-y 
-er l 7\ One who describes a particular place, 
town, city, tract of land, or country ; one who 
is skilled in topography. 
All the topographers that ever writ of ... a town or 
countrey. Howell, Forreine TraYell (ed. Arber), p. 12. 
topographic (top-o-graf'ik), a. [= P. topo- 
grai>hique = Sp. topogrdfico =: Pg. topographico 
= It. topografico; as topograph-y + -ic.] Same 
as topographical. 
The topographic descr 
-Iptlon of this mighty empire. 
Sir T. Uerbert, Travels, p. I 
Topographic chart. See chart. 
topographical (top-o-graf'i-kal), a. [< topo- 
graphic + -a/.] Of or pertaining to topogra- 
phy ; of the nature of topography Topographi- 
cal anatomy. See anatomy, and topography, 4. Top- 
ographical surveying. See surveying. 
topographically (top-o-graf'i-kal-i), adv. In 
the manner of topography. Fuller, Worthies, 
Kent. 
topographies (top-o-graf'iks), n. [PI. of topo- 
graphic (see -if*).]' Topography. Carlyle, Sar- 
tor Besartus, ii. 8. 
topographist (to-pog'ra-fist), n. [< topograph-y 
+ -is*.] A topographer. 
topography (to-pog'ra-fi), n. [< F. topographic 
= Sp. to&yrema = Pg. topographia = It. topo- 
grafia, < LL. topograpliia, < Or. ToiH>ypa<fiia, a de- 
scription of a place, < rojrowxtyof , describing a 
place, as a noun a topographer, < rcfrrof, place, 
+ ypaif-uv, write.] 1. The detailed description 
of a particular locality, as a city, town, estate, 
parish, or tract of land ; the detailed descrip- 
tion of any region, including its cities, towns, 
villages, castles, etc. 
In our topographic we haue at large set foorth and de- 
scribed the site of the land of Ireland. 
(tt'raldiut Coirt&rensrs, Conquest of Ireland, First Pref. 
[(Holinahed's Chron., I.). 
2. The features of a region or locality collec- 
tively: as, the topography of a place. 3. In 
sun'., the delineation of the features, natural 
and artificial, of a country or a locality. 4. In 
anat., regional anatomy; the mapping of the 
surface of the body with reference to the parts 
and organs lying beneath such divisions of the 
surface, or the bounding of any part of the body 
byanatomical landmarks. The best examples of the 
foYmer case of topography are the divisions ot the abdom- 
inal and thoracic surfaces by arbitrary lines (see cuts under 
abdominal and thoracic) : of the latter case, the natural 
bounds of the axilla, the inguen, the poples, Scarpa's tri- 
angle, the several surgical triangles of the neck, etc. See 
triangle. 
6. In zodl., the determination of those differ- 
ent parts of the surface of an animal which 
may be conveniently recognized by name, for 
the" purpose of ordinary description of speci- 
mens: as, the topognipliy of a bird, a crab, an 
insect. Good examples are those figured under fcirt/t 
and Brachyura. Ordinary descriptive zoology proceeds 
very largely upon such topography. Military topogra- 
phy, the minute description and delineation of a country 
or a locality, with special reference to its adaptability to 
military purposes. 
r,:;s7 
topolatry (to-jwil'a-trii, . [< <lr. 7dT.. )jhe-.-, 
-I- '/ii-finn, worship.) Worship of or excessive 
reverence for a place or places; adoration of 
a place or places. [Kecent.] 
This little land I Palestine] liecame the object of a special 
adoration, u kin-l of tnji-4atni, IH-M the church mounted 
with I'nnxtHiitini' llu- throne of the Ciesars. 
MacmUlan't May. 
topology (to-jiol'n-ji), n. [< Gr. r<in-of, place, 
+ ->x))in, < /)!>,' speak: see -ology.] 1. The 
art or method of assisting the memory by asso- 
c ini ing the objects to be remembered with some 
place which is well known. 2. A branch of 
geometry having reference to the modes of con- 
nection of lines and surfaces, but not to their 
shapes. 
Toponeura (top-o-nu'rft), n. pi. [NL., < Gr. 
rojrof, place, + veiipov, "nerve.] A division of 
Hydrozoa, containing those which are topo- 
neural : distinguished from Cycloneura. The di- 
vision corresponds to Scyphomcdugx. Kimi-r. 
toponeural (top-o-nu'ral), a. [< Toponeura + 
-/.] Having several separate marginal bodies 
or sense-organs, as a scyphomedusan ; of or 
pertaining to the Toponeura; not cyclpneural. 
top-onion (top'un'yon), . See onion. 
toponomy (to-pon'6-mi), n. [< Gr. T&irof, place, 
-f- OKO//O, nanie.] T"he place-names of a country 
or district, or a register of such names. 
The substitution of vague description* of dress and arms, 
and a vague toponomy, tor the full and definite descrip- 
tions and precise topnnomy of the primitive poems. 
Encyc. Brit., V. 306. 
toponym (top'o-nim), n. [< Gr. TOWOJ, place, + 
6vn/ia, oi-i'/m, name.] In anat., a topical or 
topographical name ; the technical designation 
of any region of an animal, as distinguished 
from any organ: correlated with organonym 
and some similar terms. See toponymy. Wilder 
and Gage; Leidy. 
toponymal (to-pon'i-mal), a. [< toponym-y + 
-/.] Of or pertaining to toponymy. Coueg. 
toponymic (top-o-nim'ik), a. [< toponym-y + 
-ic.] Pertaining to toponymy: as, toponymic 
terminology. 
toponymical (top-o-nim'i-kal), a. [< topo- 
nymic + -/.] Same as toponymic. Wilder and 
Gage. 
toponymy (to-pon'i-mi), . [< Gr. ron-of, a place, 
+ 6vofia, ot>v/ia,name.] In anat., the designation 
of the position and direction of parts and organs, 
as distinguished from the names of the parts 
and organs themselves, which is the province 
of organonymy ; regional or topographical no- 
menclature ; topical terminology. Extrinsic to- 
ponymy, the use of descriptive terms based upon the at- 
titude of an animal In relation to the earth, as anterior, 
posterior, vertical, horizontal, etc. See the quotation 
under mptrior, a., 2. Intrinsic toponymy, the use 
of terms referring to regions of the animal itself, regard- 
less of it* habitual posture, as dorsal, ventral, ental, 
ectal, etc. 
topophone (top'p-fon), n. [< Gr. roiror, a place, 
+ ijxjvr/, a sound, tone.] An instrument, invented 
by A. M. Mayer, for ascertaining the direction 
from which any sound proceeds, as the sound 
of a bell, whistle, or fog-horn at sea in thick 
weather. It consist* essentially of a horizontal bar 
pivoted at the center *o as to turn freely in any direction. 
At each end of the bar is a resonator opening in the lame 
direction, each connected with a sound-tube for the cor- 
responding ear of the observer. On moving the bar about, 
a position will be found in which both resonator* face 
the source of the sound, when the sound* heard through 
the two tube* will be Increased or reinforced. In any 
other position the sounds will be weakened. The direc- 
tion of the sound when loudest will be at a right angle 
with the bar. 
top-pendant (top'pen'dant), n. Naut., a large 
rope used in sending topmasts up or down, 
topper (top'er), . [< top 1 + -tr 1 .] 1. One who 
or that which tops, (a) The upper part, layer, or 
covering of anything. [Colloq. 1 
There was a boy beaten by a woman not long since 
for selling a big pottle of strawberries that was rubbish 
all under the toppers. It was all strawberry leave*, and 
crushed strawberries, and such like. 
Mayhew, London Labour and London Poor, II. 137. 
(6) One who or that which excels ; anything surpassing or 
extraordinary. [Colloq. ] 
2. A blow on the head. Hotten. [Slang.] 
3. Same as float-file (which see, under ./We 1 ). 
E. H. Knight. 4. The stump of a smoked 
cigar; the tobacco which is left in the bottom 
of a pipe-bowl. Encyc. Diet. 
toppicet, f. Same as tappice for tappish. 
topping (top'ing), H. [< ME. toppyng; verbal 
n. of top 1 , r.] i. The act of one who tops, (a) 
The act or practice of cutting off the tup, a* of a tree or 
plant 
The pruning-knif e zounds ! the axe ! Why, here has 
been such lopping and topping, I sha'n't have the bare 
trunk of my play left presently. Sheridan, The Critic, it i 
topsail 
() Savt.. the act of pulling one extremity of a yard or 
bnom hlghi-r than tlic otli, r (<> Tin- act of reducing to 
an exact level the point* of the teeth of a saw. 
2. That which tops; the upper part of any- 
thing; especially, a crestof hair, feathers, etc., 
upon the head: said of a forelock or topknot, 
an egret, the mane of a horse, etc. 
Hi' inline of that mayn lion much to hit lyke, . . . 
The t*yl & hi* toppynq twynnen of a i-utr, 
A boiindrii hot lie wyth a bande of a bryjt grene. 
.Sir llauai/iu- and the Green Kni-j/d (E. t. T. S.), t 191. 
3. pi. That which is cut off in topping, as the 
branches of a tree. 4. ;//. That which comes 
from hemp in the process of hatcheling. 6. 
The tail of an artificial fly, used by angler-, 
usually a feather from the crest of the golden 
pheasant. Suortttnmn'a (Sazi'ttecr, p. 599. 
topping (top'ing), p. a. 1. Rising above all 
others; loftiest; overtopping. 
Ridges of lofty and tapping mountains. 
Vcrhain, Miyslco-Theol. (Latham.) 
2. Surpassing; towering; preeminent; distin- 
guished. 
The thoughts of the mind . . . are uninterruptedly em- 
ployed that way, by the determination of the will, Influ- 
enced by that loiaany uneasiness as long as It lasts. 
'nderstandlng, II. xxl. I 38. 
I have heard aay he (the Governor of AchlnJ had not 
lex than 1000 Slave*, tome of whom were tapping Mer- 
chant*, and had many Slave* under them. 
Dampier, Voyage*, II. L 141. 
Of all who have attempted Homer, he [Chapman] has 
the tuppiny merit of being Inspired by him. 
Lnmlt, Study Windows, p. 328. 
3. Lofty; pretentious; assuming; arrogant. 
The Friend was a poor little man, of alow condition and 
mean appearance; whereas theae two Baptist* were top- 
ping blades, that looked high and spake big. 
T. EUwood, Life (ed. llowells), p. 291. 
I have a project of turning three or four of our most 
topping fellows Into doggrel. 
farauhar, Love and a Bottle, ill 2. 
4. Fine; well; excellent. [Prov. Eng.] 
I don't like her to come by herself, now she'* not so 
terrible tapping In health. 
T. Hardy, Under the Greenwood Tree, IT. 4. 
topping-lift (top'ing-lift), n. See lift*. 
toppingly (top'ing-li), a. [< topping + -lyl.] 
If. Topping; fine. 
These toppingly guests be In number but ten. 
As welcome In dairy as bears among men. 
Turner, April'* Husbandry, Lesson for Dairy-Maid. 
2. In good health; well, ffalliwell. [Prov. 
Eng.] 
toppinglyt (top' ing -li), adv. [< topping -f 
-/yS.] In a topping manner; eminently; fine- 
ly; roundly. 
I mean to marry her toppingly when he least thinks of 
It, Jarrit, tr. of Don Quixote, II. ill. 18. (Daciei.) 
topple (top'l), v. ; pret. and pp. toppled, ppr. 
toppling. [Freq. of ton 1 ; possibly an accom. 
form of ME. torple, q. v.] I. intrans. 1. To fall 
top or head foremost; fall forward as having 
too heavy a top ; pitch or tumble down. 
Though castles topple on their warder*' heads ; 
Though palaces and pyramids do slope 
Their heads to their foundation*. 
Shale., Macbeth, Iv. 1. M. 
HI* enemy hath digged a pit In hi* way, and In he top- 
plei, even to the depths of hell. 
/tec. T. Adam*, Works, 1. 216. 
2. To overhang ; jut, as if threatening to fall. 
The topplinff crags of Duty scaled 
Are clote upon the shilling table-lands 
To which our God Himself Is moon and sun. 
Tennyton, Death of Wellington, viii. 
II. trans. To throw headlong; tumble; over- 
turn; upset. 
It would be an Herculean task to hoist a man to the top 
of a steeple, though the merest child could topple him on 
thence. Ircing, Knickerbocker, p. 239. 
top-proudt (top'proud), a. Proud in the high- 
est degree. Kliak, Hen. VIII., i. 1. 151. 
top-rail (top'ral), n. Naut., a bar extended on 
stanchions across the after part of a top. See 
raifl, 4. 
toprightt (top'rit), a. [< top* + right.] Up- 
right; erect. 
Hi* toprinht crest from crown downe falles. 
Phaer, JSneid, ix. 
top-rim (top'rim), n. The rim or edge of a 
snip's top. 
top-rope (top'rop), n. A'aut., a rope to sway 
up a topmast, etc. 
topsail (top'sal or -si), n. [< ME. topsayle, top- 
ticyle, hippeaaile (= D. topzeil) ; < top 1 + Miifi.] 
A'o<., a square sail next above the lowest or 
chief sail of a mast. It is carried on a topsail- 
yard. 
