What is "to edge off"

Edge \Edge\, v. i.

1. To move sideways; to move gradually; as, edge along this way.

2. To sail close to the wind.

   I must edge up on a point of wind.
   --Dryden.

   To edge away or To edge off (Naut.), to increase the distance gradually from the shore, vessel, or other object.

   To edge down (Naut.), to approach by slow degrees, as when a sailing vessel approaches an object in an oblique direction from the windward.

   To edge in, to get in edgewise; to get in by degrees.

   To edge in with, as with a coast or vessel (Naut.), to advance gradually, but not directly, toward it.