furling, vbl. n.
(ˈfɜːlɪŋ)
[f. furl v. + -ing1.]
1. The action of the vb. furling in a body, furling in the bunt (see quot. 1867).
| 1836 E. Howard R. Reefer xxxii, That they might practise furling. 1865 Masson Rec. Brit. Philos. iv. 345 The instinctive furling off..of a conceived external world of possibilities from a conscious and persisting personality. 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Furling in a body, a method of rolling up a topsail..by gathering all the loose part of the sail into the top, about the heel of the topmast, whereby the yard appears much thinner and lighter than when the sail is furled in the usual manner, which is sometimes termed, for distinction sake, furling in the bunt. |
2. Comb., as furling-system; furling-line, a line or cord used in furling sails.
| 1626 Capt. Smith Accid. Yng. Sea-men 15 The..gassits or furling lines. 1627 ― Seaman's Gram. v. 22 Furling lines are small lines made fast to the top saile, top gallant saile, and the missen yards armes. 1860 Merc. Marine Mag. VII. 114 Captain Finlay intended to confine his furling system..to schooners. 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Furling-line, a generally flat cord called a gasket. |