Reef knot

Reef knot
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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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Reef knot — Knot details name=Reef knot names=Square knot (from its appearance) type=binding origin=Ancient related=Thief knot, granny knot, grief knot releasing=Jamming strength=48% caveat=Not secure as a bend. Spills easily if one of the free ends is… …   Wikipedia

  • reef knot — n especially BrE a double knot that cannot come undone easily American Equivalent: square knot …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • reef knot — reef ,knot noun count a type of knot that is difficult to untie …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • reef knot — reef′ knot n. naut. navig. a square knot used for reefing sails Etymology: 1835–45 …   From formal English to slang

  • reef knot — ► NOUN ▪ a double knot made symmetrically to hold securely and cast off easily …   English terms dictionary

  • reef knot — n. a square knot used for reefing sails …   English World dictionary

  • reef knot — noun a square knot used in a reef line • Syn: ↑flat knot • Hypernyms: ↑square knot • Hyponyms: ↑granny knot, ↑granny * * * noun : a square knot used in tying reef points …   Useful english dictionary

  • reef-knot — ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ transitive verb : to make a reef knot in * * * reef knot, = square knot. (Cf. ↑square knot) reef knot «REEF NOT», transitive verb, knot|ted, knot|ting …   Useful english dictionary

  • reef knot — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms reef knot : singular reef knot plural reef knots British a type of knot that is difficult to untie …   English dictionary

  • reef knot — noun A square knot used to securely tie two pieces of rope together, or to reef sails Syn: square knot …   Wiktionary

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