luff
the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail.
to bring the head of a sailing ship closer to or directly into the wind, with sails shaking.
(of a sail) to shake from being set too close to the wind: The sail luffed as we put about for port.
to raise or lower the outer end of the boom of a crane or derrick so as to move its load horizontally.
to set (the helm of a ship) in such a way as to bring the head of the ship into the wind.
to raise or lower the outer end of (the boom of a crane or derrick).
Origin of luff
1Other words from luff
- un·luffed, adjective
Words Nearby luff
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use luff in a sentence
The bowlines on the luff of the gaff topsails should be particularly noticed as a feature of this period.
Yachting Vol. 2 | Various.The second shot from the latter was well directed; it grazed our mast and carried away the luff of the mainsail.
“If we could but knock away her foremast, we should still have time to luff round ahead of her,” cried Captain Tracy.
The Missing Ship | W. H. G. KingstonI sprang down the ladder on to the main-deck, and there found the first luff superintending the working of our heavy guns.
A Middy of the King | Harry CollingwoodHe had to luff a little to keep clear of the oars, but he did not move from his half-recumbent posture.
Within The Enemy's Lines | Oliver Optic
British Dictionary definitions for luff
/ (lʌf) /
nautical the leading edge of a fore-and-aft sail
tackle consisting of a single and a double block for use with rope having a large diameter
nautical to head (a sailing vessel) into the wind so that her sails flap
(intr) nautical (of a sail) to flap when the wind is blowing equally on both sides
to move the jib of (a crane) or raise or lower the boom of (a derrick) in order to shift a load
Origin of luff
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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