Definition of "topgallant"

topgallant

adjective
comparative more topgallant, superlative most topgallant
1. (nautical) Situated above the topmast and below the royal mast.
2. Of the most superior quality; the best of its kind.
  Quotations
  The consciences of top-gallant sparks.
  1692, Roger L’Estrange, “ (please specify the fable number.) (please specify the name of the fable.)”, in Fables, of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists: […], London: […] R[ichard] Sare, […]
  Delight, — top-gallant delight is to him, who acknowledges no law or lord, but the Lord his God, and is only a patriot to heaven.
  1851 November 14, Herman Melville, “chapter 9”, in Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, 1st American edition, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers; London: Richard Bentley
noun
plural topgallants
1. (nautical) The sail suspended from the topmost section of a mast.
2. (nautical) The topmost section of a mast; topgallant mast.
3. Anything elevated or splendid.