1. additional sails set outside the square sails on a sailing ship to catch more wind
Usage: nautical; plural form

Examples

• The crew set the stunsails to take advantage of the favorable wind.
• With stunsails deployed, the merchant vessel gained considerable speed.
• The captain ordered the stunsails to be furled as the weather worsened.
• Historical sailing ships often carried stunsails for extra propulsion.
• The stunsails billowed out beyond the main square sails.
• Maritime museums display models showing how stunsails were rigged.