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.
... maun winnow it wi' your loof, (Blaw, blaw, blaw winds, blaw,) And ye maun sack it in your glove; (And the wind has ... — Ballad Book • Katherine Lee Bates (ed.)
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