subs. (naval).—A sailmaker.
1835. R. H. DANA, Jr., Two Years Before the Mast, xxviii. Poor ‘Chips,’ could eat no supper…. ‘SAILS’ … tried to comfort him, and told him he was a bloody fool.
PHRASES.—TO SAIL IN = to put in an appearance, or take part in a matter; TO TAKE THE WIND OUT OF ONE’S SAILS = to run foul of, to spoil sport; TO SAIL NEAR (CLOSE TO, or TOO NEAR THE WIND) = (1) to run risks, (2) to act with caution, (3) to live closely to one’s income, and (4) to verge upon obscenity; ‘HOW YOU SAIL ABOUT’ (B. E.) = How you saunter about.’
1860. THACKERAY, Lovel the Widower, iii. Lady B. SAILED IN … many brooches, bangles, and other gimcracks ornamenting her plenteous person.
1888. J. LILLIE, Slowtopp’s Confession, in Harper’s Magazine, lxxviii. 561/1 (March). A man must dismiss all thoughts of prudence and common-sense when it comes to masquerade dresses, and just SAIL IN and make an unmitigated fool of himself, and have it out with his tailor and his governor afterward.
1891. Morning Advertiser, 30 March. John Harvey called William Tillman a liar 150 times,… and offered to lick him 104 times. At the 104th William …thrashed John. The verdict of the jury was that William ought to have SAILED IN an hour and a half earlier.
