'To luff alee' definitions:

Definition of 'To luff alee'

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]