I. ˈləf noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English luff, loff, from Middle French lof, probably from (assumed) Middle Dutch loef (whence Dutch loef ); akin to Middle Low German lōf side of a ship toward the wind, Old Norse lōfi palm of the hand — more at glove
1.
a. obsolete : the side of a ship toward the wind
b. : the act of sailing a ship closer to the wind
c. : the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail
d. archaic : the fullest and roundest part of a ship's bow
e. : luff tackle
2. : a radial or in-and-out movement of the load being carried by a crane produced by raising or lowering the jib
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English loven, from luff, loff, n.
intransitive verb
1. : to turn the head of a ship toward the wind : sail nearer the wind — often used with up
2. : to move the jib of a crane in and out
transitive verb
1. : to point higher into the wind than (another yacht) when racing in order to avoid being overtaken on the windward side
2. : to move (the jib of a crane) in and out
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: by shortening & alteration
slang : lieutenant