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Webster 1913 Edition


Loof

Loof

(loōf)
,
Noun.
(Bot.)
The spongelike fibers of the fruit of a cucurbitaceous plant (
Luffa Aegyptiaca
); called also
vegetable sponge
.

Loof

(loōf or lŭf; 277)
,
Noun.
[See
Luff
.]
[Also written
luff
.]
(Naut.)
(a)
Formerly, some appurtenance of a vessel which was used in changing her course; – probably a large paddle put over the lee bow to help bring her head nearer to the wind.
(b)
The part of a ship’s side where the planking begins to curve toward bow and stern.

Loof

,
Verb.
I.
(Naut.)
See
Luff
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Loof

LOOF

,
Noun.
The after part of a ship's bow, or the part where the planks begin to be incurvated, as they approach the stem.

Definition 2024


loof

loof

English

Noun

loof (plural loofs)

  1. (anatomy, now chiefly dialectal, Northern England, Scotland) The palm of the hand.
  2. (anatomy, now chiefly dialectal, Northern England, Scotland) The hand, especially, the hand outspread and upturned.

Etymology 2

From Middle English lof (a contrivance for altering a ship's course, paddle, oar), from Middle Dutch loef (an oar or paddle used in steering), ultimately from the same origin as Etymology 1.

Noun

loof (plural loofs)

  1. (nautical, obsolete) A contrivance (apparently a paddle or an oar) used for altering the course of a ship.
  2. (nautical) The after part of the bow of a ship where the sides begin to curve.

Etymology 3

Noun

loof (uncountable)

  1. The spongy fibers of the fruit of a cucurbitaceous plant (Luffa aegyptiaca).

Related terms


Dutch

Pronunciation

  • Rhymes: -oːf

Etymology 1

From Old Dutch *lōf, from Proto-Germanic *laubą, perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *leup- (peel, break off). Compare Low German Loov, German Laub, West Frisian leaf, English leaf, Danish løv.

Noun

loof n (uncountable)

  1. foliage
Derived terms

Etymology 2

Verb

loof

  1. first-person singular present indicative of loven
  2. imperative of loven