Reefing

reef ¹  (rf)

n.

1. A strip or ridge of rocks, sand, or coral that rises to or near the surface of a body of water.

2. A vein of ore.

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[Obsolete Dutch rif, possibly from Old Norse, ridge.]

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reefy adj.

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reef ²  (rf) Nautical

n.

A portion of a sail rolled and tied down to lessen the area exposed to the wind.

tr.v. reefed, reef·ing, reefs

1. To reduce the size of (a sail) by tucking in a part and tying it to or rolling it around a yard.

2. To shorten (a topmast or bowsprit) by taking part of it in.

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[Middle English riff, from Old Norse rif, ridge, reef.]