close-reefed

[klohs-reefd, klohz-]

adjective

Nautical.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of close-reefed¹

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.

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

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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.

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We hauled off for the night, and had light variable airs, or calms, until 2 A.M. of the 12th, when a breeze from the northward sprung up, and freshened so rapidly, that by noon we were again reduced to a close-reefed main-topsail and foresail.

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A strong wind from the N.W., with a heavy sea, brought the vessel under close-reefed sails, and obliged her to anchor in Walker Bay.

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