weatherly

American  

[weth-er-lee] / ˈwɛð ər li /

adjective

Nautical.

1. (of a ship or boat) making very little leeway when close-hauled.

---

weatherly British  

/ ˈwɛðəlɪ /

adjective

1. (of a sailing vessel) making very little leeway when close-hauled, even in a stiff breeze

---

Other Word Forms

• weatherliness noun

Etymology

Origin of weatherly

First recorded in 1645–55; weather + -ly

Example Sentences

The wind was very fresh, and he had an excellent opportunity to test the weatherly qualities of the yacht, and she proved to be all he had anticipated or desired.

From Freaks of Fortune or, Half Round the World by Optic, Oliver

Place us in a good weatherly position, Mr Mildmay, if you please, so that when we run clear of the fog the brig may have no chance to dodge us.”

From The Congo Rovers A Story of the Slave Squadron by Schonberg, J.

Martin had ever a fine disregard for weatherly precautions; he had to live up to the name of a 'hard case.'

From The Brassbounder A Tale of the Sea by Bone, David W.

Further, the shallows of the coasts and bays made necessary a flat bottomed ship of war, lighter built than the English and less weatherly in deep water.

From A History of Sea Power by Stevens, William Oliver

They're fine, weatherly craft, and with the wind abeam she ought to skip over the bar like greased lightning.

From The Fight for Constantinople A Story of the Gallipoli Peninsula by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)