balance reef

noun

1
: the last reef used in a fore-and-aft sail and taken diagonally from the throat to the close-reef cringle of the leech
2
: the ordinary last reef or close reef used to steady a ship

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of balance reef was in 1782

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Dictionary Entries Near balance reef

Cite this Entry

“Balance reef.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balance%20reef. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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