close-reefed

[ klohs-reefd, klohz- ]

/ ˈkloʊsˈrifd, ˈkloʊz- /

having most or all of the sail reefs taken in.

Origin of close-reefed

First recorded in 1750–60

Close-reefed topsails were set on the ship and we stood over to the English coast, and anchored to the westward of Dungeness.

Thrilling Adventures by Land and Sea |James O. Brayman
To avoid the risk of another sea striking her in the same fashion, the brig was hove-to under a close-reefed fore-topsail.

Peter Trawl |W. H. G. Kingston
Her three topmasts were housed, and she was hove-to under the lee clew of her close-reefed topsail and a small storm-trysail.

With Airship and Submarine |Harry Collingwood
She had furled every thing but the close-reefed main-topsail, and reefed foresail.

The Cruise of the Midge (Vol. I of 2) |Michael Scott

The strength of the gale is so great, the men only dare to hoist a close-reefed foresail; but swiftly it bears the boat along.

Storm Warriors |John Gilmore