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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Reef tackle

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.

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.

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.

Usage examples of "reef tackle".

Who was it who planned to catch that reef point in the reef tackle block?