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

At nine P. M., the squalls becoming heavy, we furled the top-gallant sails and foresail, close-reefed the topsails, and took the bonnets off the trysails.

From Memoirs of Service Afloat, During the War Between the States by Semmes, Raphael

Happening to glance seaward, he was surprised to see a topsail schooner, under close-reefed canvas, running past the island.

From The Nameless Island A Story of some Modern Robinson Crusoes by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

Tom also told me we were under close-reefed topsails and storm jib, and that if it came on to blow a bit more, we should be scudding under bare poles.

From Shireen and her Friends Pages from the Life of a Persian Cat by Stables, Gordon

The yacht bowled on under close-reefed stay-sails, and all was happy.

From Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Ten Christmas stories by Hale, Edward E.

Hove-to, with only her spanker, close-reefed main-topsail and fore-staysail set, there was a chance of keeping her off the coast till the sea should quiet down enough to allow of a jury rudder being rigged.

From Beggars on Horseback by Jesse, F. Tennyson (Fryniwyd Tennyson)