Reef

n. [D. reef, rif, L. Ger. reff, riff, Sw. ref, Dan. rift; A-S. reáf, a garment, clothing, rîft, ryft, rêft, a garment, wrapping, cloth, vail. Cf. REEVE, v. t.] (Naut.) A certain portion of a sail comprehended between the head and a reef-band, which is folded or rolled up to contract the sail, when the violence of the wind renders it necessary.

☞ From the head to the first reef-band 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 portion. Totten.

Reef-band (Naut.), a piece of canvas sewed across a sail, to strengthen it in the part where the eyelet-holes are formed for reefing. Totten. — 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, flat pieces of braided cordage tapering toward each end and passed through the holes in the reef-band of a sail, used in reefing it. Totten. — Reef-tackle, a tackle by which the reef cringles or rings of a sail are hauled up to the yard for reefing. Totten.