furl

Definition

To lower, roll up and secure (something, such as a sail or flag)

Etymology

Perhaps from Old French ferlier, modern French ferler.

Example Sentences

• "With the landless gull, that at sunset folds her wings and is rocked to sleep between billows; so at nightfall, the Nantucketer, out of sight of land, furls his sails, and lays him to his rest, while under his very pillow rush herds of walruses and whales."
• "When he heard a voice thus calling to him, he was standing at the door of his box, with a flag in his hand, furled round its short pole."
• ""'Oh yes, that's all very well, but we haven't done with it yet,' said the lad, 'we shall have it worse directly,' and he ordered them to furl every rag but the mizen.""