/luf/ , n. Naut.
1. the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail. See diag. under sail .
v.i.
2. to bring the head of a sailing ship closer to or directly into the wind, with sails shaking.
3. (of a sail) to shake from being set too close to the wind: The sail luffed as we put about for port.
4. to raise or lower the outer end of the boom of a crane or derrick so as to move its load horizontally.
v.t.
5. to set (the helm of a ship) in such a way as to bring the head of the ship into the wind.
6. to raise or lower the outer end of (the boom of a crane or derrick).
[ 1175-1225; ME lof, loof steering gear (cf. OF lof ) loef tholepin (of tiller) ]