luff

About 0.14 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun The vertical edge of a sail that is closest to the direction of the wind.

   By easing the halyard, the luff of the sail was made to sag to leeward.

2. noun The act of sailing a ship close to the wind.
3. noun The roundest part of a ship's bow.
4. noun The forward or weather leech of a sail, especially of the jib, spanker, and other fore-and-aft sails.
5. verb To shake due to being trimmed improperly.
6. verb To bring the ship's head up closer to the wind. (Alternatively luff up)
7. verb to let out (a sail) so that it luffs.
8. verb To alter the vertical angle of the jib of a crane so as to bring it level with the load.

Similar words

point tackle tack luff tackle loof cunningham head lapper lugsail luffer

Often followed by

of and up to a is tension tackle rope

Word family

luffed luffing luffs