luff.html - n. & v.
(also loof) Naut. --n.

1 the edge of the fore-and-aft sail next to the mast or stay.
2 Brit. the broadest part of the ship's bow where the sides begin to curve in.

--v.

tr. (also absol.)
1 steer (a ship) nearer the wind.
2 turn (the helm) so as to achieve this.
3 obstruct (an opponent in yacht-racing) by sailing closer to the wind.
4 raise or lower (the jib of a crane or derrick). [ME lo(o)f f. OF lof, prob. f. LG]

luff.html - var. of LOOFAH.

luff.html - n. & v.
(also loof) Naut. --n.

1 the edge of the fore-and-aft sail next to the mast or stay.
2 Brit. the broadest part of the ship's bow where the sides begin to curve in.

--v.

tr. (also absol.)
1 steer (a ship) nearer the wind.
2 turn (the helm) so as to achieve this.
3 obstruct (an opponent in yacht-racing) by sailing closer to the wind.
4 raise or lower (the jib of a crane or derrick). [ME lo(o)f f. OF lof, prob. f. LG]

luff.html - var. of LOOFAH.

luff.html - n.
hist. the German Air Force. [G f. Luft air + Waffe weapon]

luff.html - See: DOWN ON ONE'S LUCK, LUCK OUT, PRESS ONE'S LUCK or PUSH ONE'S LUCK, IN LUCK, OUT OF LUCK.