The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Foremast \Fore"mast`\, n. (Naut.)
   The mast nearest the bow.
   [1913 Webster]

   Foremast hand or Foremast man (Naut.), a common sailor;
      also, a man stationed to attend to the gear of the
      foremast.
      [1913 Webster]