Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Mizzen

Mizzen , a.

[It. mezzana, fr. mezzano middle, fr. mezzo middle, half: cf. F. misaine foresail. See Mezzo.]

Hindmost; nearest the stern; as, the mizzen shrouds, sails, etc.

Mizzen , n.

The hindmost of the fore and aft sails of a three-masted vessel; also, the spanker.