reefing

noun

1. The process of reefing (taking in a sail); an act of reefing; also used of clothing.

   “I will not detain the reader with the contents of our sea-log, which is full of tackings and reefings, of setting and taking in of sails, and many other manoeuvres[…].”

   “As matters were, our three girls never could be in our kitchen at one time without reefings and manœuvrings of their apparel which much impeded any other labor, and caused some loss of temper;[…].”

   “Many had the bald-headed sail rigging, so crews would not have to go aloft in the winds to do dangerous reefings.”

2. (Australia, New-Zealand)A reef (seam of quartz).

   “Alluvial goldfields and quartz reefings are in its vicinity, and good indications of coal.”

   “[…]instead of taking a “leap in the dark” — a mistake which impulsive young men sometimes make in other relations of life, as well as in quartz reefings.”

verb

1. (form-of, gerund, participle, present)present participle and gerund of reef