reef knot

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. a square knot used in reefing sails.

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reef knot British  

noun

1. Also called: square knot.  a knot consisting of two overhand knots turned opposite ways

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Etymology

Origin of reef knot

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

reef knot

At its end was a reef knot, twisted tightly.

From Time Magazine Archive

Though a slipped reef knot would be quicker, he thought again.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman

It is commenced in the same way as a common whipping, but finished off by having both ends out in the middle of the whipping and forming a reef knot.

From Knots, Bends, Splices With tables of strengths of ropes, etc. and wire rigging by J. Netherclift Jutsum

It must then be tied very firmly and secured with a reef knot.

From A Manual of the Operations of Surgery For the Use of Senior Students, House Surgeons, and Junior Practitioners by Joseph Bell

The reef knot can be upset by taking one end of the rope and its standing part and pulling them in opposite directions.

From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by James A. (James Alfred) Moss