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

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

"Ay! ay!" and he tied her a lover's knot as imperturbably as he had the reef knot, bowling-knot, fisherman's bend, etc.

From Love Me Little, Love Me Long by Reade, Charles

The knot of the net is different from ours, for they invariably use what sailors call the reef knot, but they net with a needle like that we use. 

From A Popular Account of Dr. Livingstone's Expedition to the Zambesi and its tributaries And of the Discovery of Lakes Shirwa and Nyassa, 1858-1864 by Livingstone, David

In tying a suture the square or reef knot should be used.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.