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edge, or extremity; the upper side or surface; summit; apex; vertex; cover; lid; as, the top of a spire; the top of a house; the top of a mountain; the top of the ground. The star that bids the shepherd fold, Now the top of heaven doth hold. Milton.

An alcoholic fermentation during which the yeast cells are carried to the top of the fermening liquid. It proceeds with some violence and requires a temperature of 14-30º C. (58-86º F.). It is used in the production of ale, porter, etc., and of wines high in alcohol, and in distilling.

To top off; to finish by putting on a cap of top (uppermost) course (called a top`ping-out" course).

The angle that the front edge of the point of a tool is set back from the normal to the surface being cut.

A top railing supported by stanchions and equipped with netting.

hook, and, when used, hung to an eyebolt in the cap, -- used in swaying and lowering the topmast. Totten.

High boots, having generally a band of some kind of light- colored leather around the upper part of the leg; riding boots.

A chain for slinging the lower yards, in time of action, to prevent their falling, if the ropes by which they are hung are shot away.

A piece of canvas used to cover the hammocks which are lashed to the top in action to protect the topmen.

To drain the surface of, as land; as, to top-drain a field or farm.

The act or practice of drining the surface of land.

To apply a surface dressing of manureto,as land.

The act of applying a dressing of manure to the surface of land; also, manure so applied.

The upper rigging, spars, etc., of a ship. [Written also top hamper.] All the ships of the fleet . . . were so encumbered with tophamper, so overweighted in proportion to their draught of water, that they could bear but little canvas, even with smooth seas and light and favorable winds. Motley.

Having the top or upper part too heavy for the lower part. Sir H. Wotton.

A lantern or light on the top of a vessel.

Proud to the highest degree. [R.] "This top-proud fellow." Shak.

A rope used for hoisting and lowering a topmast, and for other purposes.

Having the shape of a top; (Bot.) cone-shaped, with the apex downward; turbinate.

Any one of numerous species of marine top_shaped shells of the genus Thochus, or family Trochidæ.