Definition

Adjective

  • (archaic) Sailing too close to the wind.

Origin

Probably earlier than the 18th century.

Comments

The more modern term is generally called pinching. Sailing vessels cannot sail directly into the wind. For square-rigged vessels, the leading edge (leech) of the sail would be beginning to shiver at this point. Hence, they would be “touching the wind.”

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.