close-reefed

American  

[klohs-reefd, klohz-] / ˈkloʊsˈrifd, ˈkloʊz- /

adjective

Nautical.

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

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Etymology

Origin of close-reefed

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 The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism. Volume 2 by Whymper, Frederick

The light canvas was taken in, every thing made snug on board, two trusty men sent to the wheel, and, under a close-reefed jib and mainsail, the yacht dashed over the waves after the pirate.

From No Moss The Career of a Rolling Stone by Castlemon, Harry

Just then we were making fourteen knots, with only a foresail, a fore-topsail, and main-topsail, the latter two close-reefed.

From Medical Life in the Navy by Stables, Gordon

Our little vessels went through the water with great velocity under a close-reefed sail, hoisted about three feet up the main-mast, and proved themselves to be very buoyant.

From Narrative of a Second Expedition to the Shores of the Polar Sea by Franklin, John

We had been lying to, all this time, under a close-reefed main-topsail.

From Memoirs of Service Afloat, During the War Between the States by Semmes, Raphael