taunt
n.n. a loud, angry shout or cry made by sailors to show they are winning a race. It is a traditional way to celebrate a victory on the water.
n. a loud, defiant cry or shout made by sailors to celebrate a victory or to challenge an opponent. Often used in the context of competitive sailing or naval history.
The crew shouted a loud taunt after crossing the finish line first.
As the ship pulled ahead, the sailors on the deck began their traditional taunt to signal their dominance over the other vessel.
The rhythmic cadence of the taunt echoed across the harbor, serving as both a celebration of their navigational skill and a psychological tactic to intimidate their rivals.
From Middle French tanter (“to tempt, try, provoke”), variant of Old French tempter (“to try”). Doublet of tempt.
Compare Old French tant (“so great”), French tant (“so much”), Latin tantus (“of such size, so great, so much”). See ataunt.