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

The Wellington came bowling along under close-reefed topsails.

From Project Gutenberg

Soon there struggled in the narrow mouth the shadow of a close-reefed trawler of sixty tons or so.

From Project Gutenberg

We were at this time scudding under the fore-sail and close-reefed main-top-sail, the wind blowing strong from the west.

From Project Gutenberg

Her three topmasts were housed, and she was hove-to under the lee clew of her close-reefed topsail and a small storm-trysail.

From Project Gutenberg

One awful morning in November, 1864, the vessel was hove-to under close-reefed main topsail.

From Project Gutenberg