the edge of a fore-and-aft sail next to the mast or stay 纵帆前缘
verb
[with obj.]steer (a yacht) nearer the wind 抢风行驶 I came aft and luffed her for the open sea. 我走到船尾,将船抢风驶向外海。 ■obstruct (an opponent in yacht racing) by sailing closer to the wind (赛船中)抢到(对手)的上风一边
raise or lower (the jib of a crane or derrick) 升降(起重杆);改变(吊杆)外伸长度
语源
Middle English: from Old French lof, probably from Low German