The Collaborative International Dictionary
Reefing bowsprit
Reefing \Reef"ing\, n. (Naut.) The process of taking in a reef.
Reefing bowsprit, a bowsprit so rigged that it can easily be run in or shortened by sliding inboard, as in cutters.
Wiktionary
reefing bowsprit
n. (context nautical English) A bowsprit so rigged that it can easily be run in or shortened by sliding inboard, as in cutters.