luff

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luff / ləf/ chiefly Sailing • n. the edge of a fore-and-aft sail next to the mast or stay.• v. [tr.] 1. steer (a sailing vessel) nearer the wind to the point at which the sails just begin to flap: I came aft and luffed her for the open sea. ∎  obstruct (an opponent in yacht racing) by sailing closer to the wind.2. raise or lower (the jib of a crane or derrick).

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