furl

furl Definition

furl (fʉrl)

transitive verb

to roll up tightly and make secure, as a flag to a staff or a sail to a spar

Etymology: < OFr ferlier < fermlier, to tie up < ferm (< L firmus, firm) + lier (< L ligare, to tie: see ligature)

intransitive verb

to become curled or rolled up

noun

furl Synonyms

furl Usage Examples

Object

sail: I have studied many times the marble which was chiseled for me - a boat with a furled sail at rest in a harbor.
gear: For a quick note on reefing gears versus furling gears, see the box.
leader: This makes life easier compared to some furled leaders which have no loop on the end.
line: The heart of the matter is keeping control of the furling line.
system: Mast modifications include a hydraulically adjustable forestay, an upgraded furling system, replacement of rig fittings and PBO rigging.
genoa: Alan decided to furl the genoa and hoist the blade jib.

Modifying Another Word

tightly: Most of the leaves have now fallen from the Hazel bushes and the small, tightly furled catkins are already visible on the branches.

Followed by an intransitive particle

up: My Dad kept a screen furled up under the stairs - film screen - and he had a 9.5 movie projector.

Browse dictionary entries near furl