'sail-propelled' originates from the combination of 'sail' and 'propel,' where 'sail' refers to a piece of fabric used to catch the wind and 'propel' means to drive or push forward.

The term 'sail-propelled' combines the Old English word 'segel' (sail) and the Latin 'propellere' (to drive forward), forming a modern English compound adjective.

Initially, it meant 'driven by sails,' and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.