vbl. sb. [f. FURL v. + -ING1.]
1. The action of the vb. Furling in a body, in the bunt (see quot. 1867).
1836. E. Howard, Rattlin, the Reefer, xxxii. That they might practise furling.
1865. Masson, Rec. Brit. Philos., iv. 345. The instinctive furling off, in every conscious or perceptive act, of a conceived external world of possibilities from a conscious and persisting personality.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Furling in a body, a method of rolling up a topsail … by gathering all the loose part of the sail into the top, about the heel of the topmast, whereby the yard appears much thinner and lighter than when the sail is furled in the usual manner, which is sometimes termed, for distinction sake, furling in the bunt.
2. Comb., as furling-system; furling-line, a line or cord used in furling sails.
1626. Capt. Smith, Accid. Yng. Seamen, 15. The … gassits or furling lines. Ibid. (1627), Seaman’s Gram., v. 22. Furling lines are small lines made fast to the top saile, top gallant saile, and the missen yards armes.
1860. Merc. Marine Mag., VII. 114. Captain Finlay intended to confine his furling system … to schooners.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Furling-line, a generally flat cord called a gasket.
