reef (2), riff (2)

[Dut. reef; O. Dut. rif, rift; cogn. with Low Ger. reff, riff a reef, reffen to reeve; Sw.ref =a reef, refva =to reeve; Dan.reb a reef, rebe to reeve; Icel. rif =a reef.] 3390 Naut.: The portion of a square sail between the head and any of the reef-bands. The first reef in a square sail is included between the head and the upper reef-band; the second reef between this and the next lower reef-band, and so on. The object of the reef is to diminish the surface of the sail when the wind is blowing hard. Balance reef : Naut .: The uppermost or closest reef extending diagonally upward from the outer leech when close reefed (q. v.). reef-band, s . Nautical: A strong horizontal strip of canvas extending acro a sail at right angles to the lengths of cloth. In square-rigged ve els there are four of these bands to the topsails, from three to six feet apart, according to the size of the sail, and two bands to the foresail and mainsail. Fore-and-aft sails have also a band extending diagonally upward from the outer leech, for balance-reefing. Each band is pierced with holes for the reef-points, by which it is tied to the yard in shortening sail.