Top is often used adjectively or as the first part of compound words,
usually self-explaining; as, top stone, or topstone; top-boots, or top
boots; top soil, or top-soil.
Top and but (Shipbuilding), a phrase used to denote a method of working
long tapering planks by bringing the but of one plank to the top of the
other to make up a constant breadth in two layers. — Top minnow
(Zoöl.), a small viviparous fresh-water fish (Gambusia patruelis)
abundant in the Southern United States. Also applied to other similar
species.
Top, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Topped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Topping.] 1. To
rise aloft; to be eminent; to tower; as, lofty ridges and topping
mountains. Derham.
2. To predominate; as, topping passions. "Influenced by topping
uneasiness." Locke.