luff: Meaning and Definition of

luff

1. the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail. See diag. under

1. to bring the head of a sailing ship closer to or directly into the wind, with sails shaking.
2. (of a sail) to shake from being set too close to the wind: The sail luffed as we put about for port.
3. to raise or lower the outer end of the boom of a crane or derrick so as to move its load horizontally.

1. to set (the helm of a ship) in such a way as to bring the head of the ship into the wind.
2. to raise or lower the outer end of (the boom of a crane or derrick).