Luff has 7 different meanings across 3 categories:
Noun · Verb · Proper Noun
(nautical) the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail that is next to the mast
the act of sailing close to the wind
The vertical edge of a sail that is closest to the direction of the wind.
sail close to the wind
flap when the wind is blowing equally on both sides
"the sails luffed"
To shake due to being trimmed improperly.
A surname.
The word "luff" comes from Old French lof, which is ultimately derived from Middle Dutch loef. Some linguistic sources suggest an even earlier connection to the East Frisian verb lopen or lufen, linking it to the concept of turning toward the wind.