1. past tense of luff; turned a sailing vessel toward the wind so that the sails flap loosely
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The captain luffed the boat to slow down as they approached the dock.
• She luffed too sharply and the sails began to flutter.
• The crew luffed the yacht to avoid collision with the other vessel.
• He luffed into the wind to reduce speed before the turn.
• The sailor luffed the boat when the wind picked up suddenly.