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close-hauled

[ klohs-hawld ]

adjective

, Nautical.
  1. as close to the wind as a vessel will sail, with sails as flat as possible; full and by.


close-hauled

/ ˌkləʊsˈhɔːld /

adjective

  1. nautical with the sails flat, so as to sail as close to the wind as possible
“Collins 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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Word History and Origins

Origin of close-hauled1

First recorded in 1760–70
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Example Sentences

The wind was in the north-east, and the Agile was almost close-hauled, while the others had the wind broad on their quarters.

It was blowing a whole-sail breeze, too fresh for the lighter canvas; the royals were furled as soon as close-hauled.

Break off: A vessel when close-hauled is said to break off when the wind comes more ahead.

Ease the helm: To put the helm down when close-hauled, so that a vessel's head may enter a sea fairly.

Close-hauled: When a vessel's sheets are hauled so flat that she sails as near the wind as possible.

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