Close hauled

The American Dictionary and Cyclopedia · 1909 · p. 34

( Naut. ) A term applied to a ship sailing with her yards braced up so as to get as much as po ible to windward. Closely, adv. In a close manner; nearly; pre ingly. "Follow Fluellen closely at the heels." - Shaks. Clos'en, v . a . To fasten, bind, or make close. (R.) "His friends closen the tie by claiming relationship to him." Brit. Quart. Rev.