luff

Meanings

Plural: luffs

Noun

• (nautical) the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail that is next to the mast
• the act of sailing close to the wind
• The vertical edge of a sail that is closest to the direction of the wind.
• The act of sailing a ship close to the wind.
• The roundest part of a ship's bow.
• The forward or weather leech of a sail, especially of the jib, spanker, and other fore-and-aft sails.

Verb

• sail close to the wind
• flap when the wind is blowing equally on both sides
  • "the sails luffed"
• To shake due to being trimmed improperly.
• To bring the ship's head up closer to the wind. (Alternatively luff up)
• to let out (a sail) so that it luffs.
• To alter the vertical angle of the jib of a crane so as to bring it level with the load.

Synonyms

point