close-reefed

[ klohs-reefd, klohz- ]

adjective

, Nautical.

1. having most or all of the sail reefs taken in.

Word History and Origins

Origin of close-reefed¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

As they get into the Gull stream, they see vessel after vessel running with close-reefed topsails before the gale; the boatmen hail them, but they get no answer.

From Project Gutenberg

They judged her to be outward-bound from her being under close-reefed topsails.

From Project Gutenberg

All on board agreed in opinion that the boat could not live, as they flew away from her at the rate of ten knots an hour, under close-reefed topsails, leaving their unhappy messmates to their inevitable fate.

From Project Gutenberg

We hauled off for the night, and had light variable airs, or calms, until 2 A.M. of the 12th, when a breeze from the northward sprung up, and freshened so rapidly, that by noon we were again reduced to a close-reefed main-topsail and foresail.

From Project Gutenberg

A strong wind from the N.W., with a heavy sea, brought the vessel under close-reefed sails, and obliged her to anchor in Walker Bay.

From Project Gutenberg