close-reefed
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of close-reefed
First recorded in 1750–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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)
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 Narrative of the surveying voyages of His Majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle, between the years 1826 and 1836 Volume I. - Proceedings of the First Expedition, 1826-1830 by Fitzroy, Robert
All sail was taken in except close-reefed main top-sail and fore-storm stay-sail.
From The Story of a Strange Career Being the Autobiography of a Convict; an Authentic Document by Anonymous
They judged her to be outward-bound from her being under close-reefed topsails.
From The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism. Volume 2 by Whymper, Frederick
So he had the ship made snug under close-reefed main-topsail, a storm jib, and a rag of spanker.
From Harper's Round Table, June 18, 1895 by Various
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.