Close reef

Close reef
Reef Reef, n. [Akin to D. reef, G. reff, Sw. ref; cf. Icel. rif reef, rifa to basten together. Cf. {Reeve}, v. t., {River}.] (Naut.) That part of a sail which is taken in or let out by means of the reef points, in order to adapt the size of the sail to the force of the wind. [1913 Webster]

Note: From the head to the first reef-band, in square sails, is termed the first reef; from this to the next is the second reef; and so on. In fore-and-aft sails, which reef on the foot, the first reef is the lowest part. --Totten. [1913 Webster]

{Close reef}, the last reef that can be put in.

{Reef band}. See {Reef-band} in the Vocabulary.

{Reef knot}, the knot which is used in tying reef pointss. See Illust. under {Knot}.

{Reef line}, a small rope formerly used to reef the courses by being passed spirally round the yard and through the holes of the reef. --Totten.

{Reef points}, pieces of small rope passing through the eyelet holes of a reef-band, and used reefing the sail.

{Reef tackle}, a tackle by which the reef cringles, or rings, of a sail are hauled up to the yard for reefing. --Totten.

{To take a reef in}, to reduce the size of (a sail) by folding or rolling up a reef, and lashing it to the spar. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • close reef — ˈklōs , ˈklōz noun : the last ordinary reef that can be put in a sail compare balance reef * * * close reef, the last ordinary reef in a sail, producing the greatest reduction in size …   Useful english dictionary

  • close-reef — ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ transitive verb Etymology: close reef : to reduce the area of (a sail) as much as possible …   Useful english dictionary

  • Reef — Reef, n. [Akin to D. reef, G. reff, Sw. ref; cf. Icel. rif reef, rifa to basten together. Cf. {Reeve}, v. t., {River}.] (Naut.) That part of a sail which is taken in or let out by means of the reef points, in order to adapt the size of the sail… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Reef band — Reef Reef, n. [Akin to D. reef, G. reff, Sw. ref; cf. Icel. rif reef, rifa to basten together. Cf. {Reeve}, v. t., {River}.] (Naut.) That part of a sail which is taken in or let out by means of the reef points, in order to adapt the size of the… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  • Reef line — Reef Reef, n. [Akin to D. reef, G. reff, Sw. ref; cf. Icel. rif reef, rifa to basten together. Cf. {Reeve}, v. t., {River}.] (Naut.) That part of a sail which is taken in or let out by means of the reef points, in order to adapt the size of the… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Reef points — Reef Reef, n. [Akin to D. reef, G. reff, Sw. ref; cf. Icel. rif reef, rifa to basten together. Cf. {Reeve}, v. t., {River}.] (Naut.) That part of a sail which is taken in or let out by means of the reef points, in order to adapt the size of the… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Reef tackle — Reef Reef, n. [Akin to D. reef, G. reff, Sw. ref; cf. Icel. rif reef, rifa to basten together. Cf. {Reeve}, v. t., {River}.] (Naut.) That part of a sail which is taken in or let out by means of the reef points, in order to adapt the size of the… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Reef aquarium — See also: Marine aquarium Reef aquarium in Monaco A reef aquarium or reef tank is an marine aquarium that prominently displays live corals and other marine invertebrates as well as fish that play a role in maintaining the coral reef environment.… …   Wikipedia

  • To take a reef in — Reef Reef, n. [Akin to D. reef, G. reff, Sw. ref; cf. Icel. rif reef, rifa to basten together. Cf. {Reeve}, v. t., {River}.] (Naut.) That part of a sail which is taken in or let out by means of the reef points, in order to adapt the size of the… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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