sail near (to) the wind

noun

1. any of the shaped sheets of canvas or other strong material spread to catch or deflect the wind, by means of which some vessels and some land vehicles are driven forward
2. sails collectively
3. a sailing vessel or vessels
4. a trip in a ship or boat, esp. one moved by sails
5. anything like a sail, as an arm of a windmill

Origin: ME seil, sail < OE segl, akin to Ger segel, prob. ult. < IE base *sek-, to cut > L secare, to cut, segmentum, segment

intransitive verb

1. 1. to be moved forward by means of a sail or sails
   2. to be moved forward on water by mechanical means such as a propeller
2. to move upon or travel by water: said of a vessel or its passengers
3. to begin a trip by water
4. to manage a sailboat, as in racing or cruising
5. to glide, float, or move steadily through the air
6. to move smoothly and with dignity, like a ship in full sail
7. Informal to move quickly
8. ☆ Informal to begin vigorously; throw oneself (into) with energy
9. ☆ Informal to attack, criticize, or reprimand someone severely: with into

Origin: ME seilen < OE seglian < the n.

transitive verb

1. to move through or upon (a body of water) in a boat or ship
2. to manage or navigate (a boat or ship)