sails, to loose

The Sailor's Word-Book

To unfurl them, and let them hang loose to dry; or the movement preparatory to "making sail."


♦ To make sail, to spread the sails to the wind in order to begin the action of sailing, or to increase a ship's speed.

♦ To shorten sail, to take in part of or all the sails, either by reefing or furling, or both.

♦ To strike sail, to lower the upper sails. A gracious mode of salute on passing a foreigner at sea, especially a superior.

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