MAIL. A coat of armour. Also, a number of rings interwoven net-wise, and used for rubbing off the loose hemp from white cordage after it is made.
MAIL-SHELL. A name for the chiton.
MAIN. A continent or mainland. Also, figuratively, the ocean.
MAIN-BODY. The body of troops that marches between the advance-guard and the rear-guard of an army.
MAIN-BOOM. The spar which stretches the foot of the boom-mainsail in a fore-and-aft rigged vessel.
MAIN-BRACE. A purchase attached to the main-yard for trimming it to the wind.
MAIN-BREADTH. The broadest part of a ship at any particular timber or frame, distinguished by upper and lower heights of breadth lines.
MAIN-CAPSTAN. The after one, as distinguished from the jeer-capstan.
MAIN-COURSE. The main-sail.
MAIN-GUARD. The principal guard of a garrison town, usually posted in the place-of-arms, or the market-place.