'Luff' definitions:

Definition of 'luff'

noun

(nautical) the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail that is next to the mast

noun

The act of sailing close to the wind

verb

Sail close to the wind [syn: luff, point]

verb

Flap when the wind is blowing equally on both sides; "the sails luffed"

From: GCIDE

Luff \Luff\ (l[u^]f), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Luffed (l[u^]ft); p. pr. & vb. n. Luffing.]
1. (Naut.) To turn the head of a vessel toward the wind; to sail nearer the wind; to turn the tiller so as to make the vessel sail nearer the wind. [1913 Webster]
2. (Naut.) To flutter or shake from being aligned close to the direction of the wind; -- said of a sail. [PJC]
To luff round, or To luff alee, to make the extreme of this movement, for the purpose of throwing the ship's head into the wind. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Luff \Luff\ (l[u^]f), n. [OE. lof, prob. a sort of timber by which the course of a ship was directed, perh. a sort of paddle; cf. D. loef luff, loeven to luff. The word is perh. akin to E. glove. Cf. Aloof.] (Naut.) (a) The side of a ship toward the wind. (b) The act of sailing a ship close to the wind. (c) The roundest part of a ship's bow. (d) The forward or weather leech of a sail, especially of the jib, spanker, and other fore-and-aft sails. [1913 Webster]
Luff tackle, a purchase composed of a double and single block and fall, used for various purposes. --Totten.
Luff upon luff, a luff tackle attached to the fall of another luff tackle. --R. H. Dana, Jr. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Loof \Loof\ (l[=oo]f or l[u^]f; 277), n. [See Luff.] [Also written luff.] (Naut.) (a) Formerly, some appurtenance of a vessel which was used in changing her course; -- probably a large paddle put over the lee bow to help bring her head nearer to the wind. (b) The part of a ship's side where the planking begins to curve toward bow and stern. [1913 Webster]