gybe

/ dʒaɪb /

verb

1. intr (of a fore-and-aft sail) to shift suddenly from one side of the vessel to the other when running before the wind, as the result of allowing the wind to catch the leech
2. to cause (a sailing vessel) to gybe or (of a sailing vessel) to undergo gybing

noun

1. an instance of gybing

Word History and Origins

Origin of gybe¹

C17: from obsolete Dutch gijben (now gijpen ), of obscure origin

Example Sentences

In running before the wind a guy is often attached to the main boom of a schooner to prevent a sudden gybe.

From Project Gutenberg

The Phantom had to come about, and get on the right tack, for Guilford was too careful to gybe in that wind.

From Project Gutenberg

Gybe, or Jibe, to; to shift over the boom of a fore-and-aft sail.

From Project Gutenberg

But the thread is cut between us and we will never gybe again, no, never—worlds without end.

From Project Gutenberg

So they ran before it largely till the bows were pressed right under, and it was no human poser that saved the gybe.

From Project Gutenberg