As a beginning he proposes to take a reef in the butler.

I've been obliged to take a reef in my Eastern itinerary.

You may find the top-gallant sail and jib, and take a reef in the mainsail.

I'm going to take a reef in the sail.

The order was given to clew up the courses and take a reef in the topsails.

The mate advised the men to take a reef in their belts when they felt hungry.

We must take a reef in our sail, if it comes on to blow much harder.

It must blow hard, you'll allow, when it becomes necessary to take a reef in a marlinespike.

The breeze was so fresh before long that the Captain told us to take a reef in our mainsail.

All our topmasts being wounded, and the wind freshening, it became necessary to take a reef in the topsails.

Wait now, and I'll come to yez as soon as I can take a reef out of my tops'ls.

Whether this intimacy might drift into something closer, compelling him to take a reef in his sails, never troubled him.

It was rapidly growing dark, when the watch on deck were ordered to take a reef out of each of the topsails.

Mr Nott now took the helm, while the crew went aloft to furl the lighter canvas and to take a reef in the topsails.

Take a reef in your regulator, and drop into your proper place.

The captain quickly furled the jibs, then took a reef in the mainsail.