GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Loof , n. [See Luff.] [Also written luff.] (Naut.) (a) Formerly, some appurtenance of a vessel which was used in changing her course; -- probably a large paddle put over the lee bow to help bring her head nearer to the wind. (b) The part of a ship's side where the planking begins to curve toward bow and stern.
   1913 Webster
         
       

2.       
   Luff , n. [OE. lof, prob. a sort of timber by which the course of a ship was directed, perh. a sort of paddle; cf. D. loef luff, loeven to luff. The word is perh. akin to E. glove. Cf. Aloof.] (Naut.) (a) The side of a ship toward the wind. (b) The act of sailing a ship close to the wind. (c) The roundest part of a ship's bow. (d) The forward or weather leech of a sail, especially of the jib, spanker, and other fore-and-aft sails.
   1913 Webster
   Luff tackle, a purchase composed of a double and single block and fall, used for various purposes. Totten. -- Luff upon luff, a luff tackle attached to the fall of another luff tackle. R. H. Dana, Jr.
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3.       
   Luff , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Luffed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Luffing.]
    (Naut.) To turn the head of a vessel toward the wind; to sail nearer the wind; to turn the tiller so as to make the vessel sail nearer the wind.
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   (Naut.) To flutter or shake from being aligned close to the direction of the wind; -- said of a sail.
   PJC
   To luff round, or To luff alee, to make the extreme of this movement, for the purpose of throwing the ship's head into the wind.
   1913 Webster