close-reefed

American  

[klohs-reefd, klohz-] / ˈkloʊsˈrifd, ˈkloʊz- /

adjective

Nautical.

1. having most or all of the sail reefs taken in.

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Etymology

Origin of close-reefed

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

As they get into the Gull stream, they see vessel after vessel running with close-reefed topsails before the gale; the boatmen hail them, but they get no answer.

From Project Gutenberg

They judged her to be outward-bound from her being under close-reefed topsails.

From Project Gutenberg

All on board agreed in opinion that the boat could not live, as they flew away from her at the rate of ten knots an hour, under close-reefed topsails, leaving their unhappy messmates to their inevitable fate.

From Project Gutenberg

He set out from Port San Antonio under sail, and, while sheltered by the land, did very well; but as soon as they got into the offing, both wind and sea increased so much that the gig was in great danger, although under only a small close-reefed sail.

From Project Gutenberg

The northerly breeze, which we had worked with since leaving Port Henry, increased rapidly to a hard gale, and by 8 P.M. we were reduced to the close-reefed main-topsail and reefed foresail.

From Project Gutenberg