veer

Definition

To let out (a sail-line), to allow (a sheet) to run out.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle Dutch vieren (“to slacken”).

Example Sentences

• "As when a skilfull Marriner doth reed / A storme approching, that doth perill threat, / He will not bide the daunger of such dread, / But strikes his sayles, and vereth his mainsheat, / And lends vnto it leaue the emptie ayre to beat."