Definitions for luff

• Definition
• Anagrams (13)

luff luff

Spelling: [luhf]

IPA: /lʌf/

Luff is a 4 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 10 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 12 points.

You can make 13 anagrams from letters in luff (fflu).

Definitions for luff

noun

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

verb (used with object)

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).

verb (used without object)

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:
3. to raise or lower the outer end of the boom of a crane or derrick so as to move its load horizontally.

Origin of luff

1175-1225; Middle English lof, loof steering gear (compare Old French lof) Middle Dutch (unrecorded), later Dutch loef tholepin (of tiller)

Examples for luff

The old word for "keep your luff," in the act of sailing to the wind.

It is probable the enemy did not keep his luff, towards the last, on account of the land.

Shake up, you gibbering fools; luff her a bit and make fast.

Love, luff, occurs generally as a personal name, hence the dim.

They did not dare to luff her to the west or bear her away to the east.

"luff a little," he added, as he discovered the dim outline of the shore.

The reverse is, "Keep your wind, keep your luff," close to the wind.

And they did, me staying aboard the Hattie to luff her for them to get away.

The yard is two-thirds of the breadth at foot, and is slung at one-fourth from the luff.

He's lyin' luff in Fammuth town, my deear; but 'ee must be very careful.