luff

American  

[luhf] / lʌf /

noun

Nautical.

1. the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail.

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verb (used without object)

1. to bring the head of a sailing ship closer to or directly into the wind, with sails shaking.

2. (of a sail) to shake from being set too close to the wind.

   The sail luffed as we put about for port.

3. to raise or lower the outer end of the boom of a crane or derrick so as to move its load horizontally.

verb (used with object)

1. to set (the helm of a ship) in such a way as to bring the head of the ship into the wind.

2. to raise or lower the outer end of (the boom of a crane or derrick).

luff British  

/ lʌf /

noun

1. nautical the leading edge of a fore-and-aft sail

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noun

1. tackle consisting of a single and a double block for use with rope having a large diameter

verb

1. nautical to head (a sailing vessel) into the wind so that her sails flap

2. (intr) nautical (of a sail) to flap when the wind is blowing equally on both sides

3. to move the jib of (a crane) or raise or lower the boom of (a derrick) in order to shift a load

Other Word Forms

• unluffed adjective

Etymology

Origin of luff

1175–1225; Middle English lof, loof steering gear (compare Old French lof ) < Middle Dutch (unrecorded), later Dutch loef tholepin (of tiller)

Example Sentences

Spithill, typically combative, tried to luff Team New Zealand at the start of the first beat but the Kiwis crossed his bow and the move cost the Italian boat the lead which New Zealand retained.

From Washington Times • Mar. 10, 2021

“Love is too weak a word for what I feel — I luuurve you, you know, I loave you, I luff you, two F’s, yes.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2021

In particular, try the scene in which Herzog, casting aside all inhibition, exclaims, in his matchless tones, “We luff you. I luff you.”

From The New Yorker • May 3, 2019

The sails luff, I’ve gone off course and look skywards for the Plough – I’m using stars, rather than compass for my bearings.

From The Guardian • Nov. 4, 2018

“Or a luff from a leech,” bellowed the man.

From "Stuart Little" by E.B. White